HELP! I AM CRAZILY IN LOVE!(Knowing the difference between LOVE and INFATUATION)

There is a strong relationship between love and infatuation. Infatuation is not an indication you are compatible with the person. Love is. The challenge is differentiating the two. The dictionary defines infatuation as the person  “completely carried away by unreasoning passion or attraction”. It comes from the word ‘silly or foolish’. Differentiating between the emotions involved in love and infatuation is ALWAYS complicated.

Love and infatuation do have one thing In common: strong feelings of affection for a member of the opposite sex, which complicates the matter because many of the symptom overlap one another. The most passionate and blind infatuation may contain a portion of genuine love. And indeed, love may include several symptoms found in infatuation. The difference between love and infatuation, then are often found in degree rather than in definition.

Real love does not happen overnight.

Love and infatuation share 3 similar symptoms: passion, nearness, and stranger emotions. However, here are the differences between the two.

 Here are some differences between the two. First, love develops slowly; infatuation rapidly. Love grows, and growth requires time. Infatuation often hits suddenly. Love is born from knowledge of the person. There is no ‘love at first sight’; may be ‘like at first sight’, but not ‘love at first sight’. Real love grows with knowledge of the person.

Second, love ends slowly; infatuation ends rapidly. You cannot test this factor, of course, until the relationship ends. How long did the romance last? How long did it take to get over it? Infatuation ends much the same way they began- fast! - with one exception. Infatuation will not end rapidly if you have become involved sexually. Sex complicates the emotional response.

Third, love centers on one person only; infatuation may involve several persons.

Fourth, love motivates positive behavior; infatuation may involve several persons.

Fifth, love recognizes the importance of compatibility ; infatuation disregards it. It may not sound very romantic or exciting; but a good marriage prospect might live next door to you. You grew up together, played together , went to the same school. Your family and social life go a long way toward developing a lasting love relationship.

Sixth, love recognizes fault, infatuation ignores them.

Seventh, love survives separation, infatuation cannot. Love may even grow during a separation. Absence does make the heart grow fonder. Infatuation dies quickly once the other person fades from sight.

Eight, love is selfless; infatuation is selfish.

Ninth, love brings physical contact; infatuation exploits it.

Ten, love brings approval of family and friends; infatuation brings disapproval.

Finally, In love you have disagreement but you find that you talk them out and settle them; in infatuation, arguments are frequent. Nothing is settled. Many are settled with a kiss.                            

Love is a test that proves compatibility. You have found genuine love when your mutual relationship fosters individual growth for both of you and increases the depth of your love. If love is what you feel, then you are compatible.  And here is  how to really know you are in love. If in doubt about it, give it time(without sex). An infatuated person will not cope. A lustful person will move on the next victim. Time reveals love; and love proves compatibility.

Love means many things to many people. But there is one thing love is NOT...IT IS NOT UNCERTAIN. If anything can withstand testing, LOVE CAN.

 

 

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