Love vs. Infatuation: How do I know the difference?
Do you ever wonder if you are in love or if you are just infatuated? Read my latest blog to know the difference!
Love and infatuation are often confused with each other, but they are vastly different experiences. While both can be intense and emotionally overwhelming relationship experiences, understanding the difference between the two is crucial for understanding and building healthy and meaningful relationships. Here is a fun read to highlight the differences...
1. Definition
Infatuation is an intense but generally short-lived passion or admiration for someone. It is often driven by physical attraction, idealization, and a need for validation. It makes individuals overlook flaws and red flags in the person they are infatuated with. This is not bad per se – many important lifelong relationships start this way in the courtship phase.
Love, on the other hand, is deeper. It is an enduring connection that goes beyond physical attraction. It is built over time and is rooted in emotional intimacy, trust, and a genuine appreciation for a person’s true and authentic self – unlike infatuation, this includes their strengths and weaknesses.
2. Stability
Infatuation is often fleeting – while it can start with a rapid surge of emotions, the relationship can fade just as quickly as it begins. Once the initial novelty and excitement wears off, disappointment or disinterest often follows.
Love grows more slowly – it is patient, stable and lasting. It grows through overcoming challenges and adapting to changes. True love deepens rather than diminishes in difficult times.
3. Depth of Emotion
Infatuation is driven by emotions that are intense but more superficial. This is fine at the beginning of a relationship, but will not work for long term connections. The attraction in the relationship is often based on idealized perceptions rather than reality. This often leads to unrealistic lofty expectations which of course are unsustainable.
Love involves deeper emotional investment. It is accepting, understanding, and supportive even when it is not always convenient. Because there is depth, vulnerability is safe when there is genuine companionship which results in a long-term bond and relationship.
4. Focus
Infatuation evolves around how the other person makes you feel rather than a true concern for their well-being. It is a more self-centered experience, and so it is less relational.
Love is about caring for the other person’s happiness, personal growth, and well-being, even if it requires sacrifice or compromise. You can see that love is selfless in comparison to infatuation.
5. Hard Times
Infatuation has a harder time bearing the weight of difficult times. Things tend to crumble because infatuation is largely based on fantasy. When real life challenges occur in this type of relationship, the attraction can fade in the face of disillusionment.
Love on the other hand, grows stronger through hardships. A team approach develops in the face of problems thus reinforcing an underlying bond and a solid relationship.
6. Commitment
Infatuation is unsteady – it can waver with changing circumstances or when there is a new attraction. It lacks the roots needed for long-term committed relationship
Love is loyal -- it is the feeling one has that if they were to reach for their partner, they would be there without hesitation. It is more than a feeling – it is a conscious choice to stay with someone despite highs and lows, imperfections and challenges, good times and bad -- nurturing the relationship bond over time.
Final Thoughts
While infatuation lacks the foundations present in love, it is often the first step of what will turn into a loving relationship. When the infatuation fades, deep love can take over providing the foundation for a lasting bond of security, understanding and fulfillment.
Recognizing the differences between love and infatuation can help folks know where they are headed in their relationships. If you are starting to see your partner’s flaws and love them anyway, you are headed toward a lasting connection. If you want to head for the hills, you are probably infatuated.
Have you ever mistaken infatuation for love? I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
If you are wondering where you are in your relationship, let's talk!
Do you ever wonder if you are in love or if you are just infatuated? Read my latest blog to know the difference!
Love and infatuation are often confused with each other, but they are vastly different experiences. While both can be intense and emotionally overwhelming relationship experiences, understanding the difference between the two is crucial for understanding and building healthy and meaningful relationships. Here is a fun read to highlight the differences...
1. Definition
Infatuation is an intense but generally short-lived passion or admiration for someone. It is often driven by physical attraction, idealization, and a need for validation. It makes individuals overlook flaws and red flags in the person they are infatuated with. This is not bad per se – many important lifelong relationships start this way in the courtship phase.
Love, on the other hand, is deeper. It is an enduring connection that goes beyond physical attraction. It is built over time and is rooted in emotional intimacy, trust, and a genuine appreciation for a person’s true and authentic self – unlike infatuation, this includes their strengths and weaknesses.
2. Stability
Infatuation is often fleeting – while it can start with a rapid surge of emotions, the relationship can fade just as quickly as it begins. Once the initial novelty and excitement wears off, disappointment or disinterest often follows.
Love grows more slowly – it is patient, stable and lasting. It grows through overcoming challenges and adapting to changes. True love deepens rather than diminishes in difficult times.
3. Depth of Emotion
Infatuation is driven by emotions that are intense but more superficial. This is fine at the beginning of a relationship, but will not work for long term connections. The attraction in the relationship is often based on idealized perceptions rather than reality. This often leads to unrealistic lofty expectations which of course are unsustainable.
Love involves deeper emotional investment. It is accepting, understanding, and supportive even when it is not always convenient. Because there is depth, vulnerability is safe when there is genuine companionship which results in a long-term bond and relationship.
4. Focus
Infatuation evolves around how the other person makes you feel rather than a true concern for their well-being. It is a more self-centered experience, and so it is less relational.
Love is about caring for the other person’s happiness, personal growth, and well-being, even if it requires sacrifice or compromise. You can see that love is selfless in comparison to infatuation.
5. Hard Times
Infatuation has a harder time bearing the weight of difficult times. Things tend to crumble because infatuation is largely based on fantasy. When real life challenges occur in this type of relationship, the attraction can fade in the face of disillusionment.
Love on the other hand, grows stronger through hardships. A team approach develops in the face of problems thus reinforcing an underlying bond and a solid relationship.
6. Commitment
Infatuation is unsteady – it can waver with changing circumstances or when there is a new attraction. It lacks the roots needed for long-term committed relationship
Love is loyal -- it is the feeling one has that if they were to reach for their partner, they would be there without hesitation. It is more than a feeling – it is a conscious choice to stay with someone despite highs and lows, imperfections and challenges, good times and bad -- nurturing the relationship bond over time.
Final Thoughts
While infatuation lacks the foundations present in love, it is often the first step of what will turn into a loving relationship. When the infatuation fades, deep love can take over providing the foundation for a lasting bond of security, understanding and fulfillment.
Recognizing the differences between love and infatuation can help folks know where they are headed in their relationships. If you are starting to see your partner’s flaws and love them anyway, you are headed toward a lasting connection. If you want to head for the hills, you are probably infatuated.
Have you ever mistaken infatuation for love? I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
If you are wondering where you are in your relationship, let's talk!
