Infatuation and love are both intense emotions that can be experienced in a romantic relationship. However, there are some key differences between the two. Infatuation is a short-lived feeling of intense attraction and admiration for someone. It is often based on superficial qualities, such as physical appearance or shared interests. Infatuation can be characterised by:
Euphoria
Feeling high and excited when you are around the person you are infatuated with.
Obsession
Thinking about the person constantly and wanting to be with them all the time.
Idealisation
Seeing the person as perfect and overlooking their flaws.
Lust
Feeling a strong physical attraction to the person.
Love is a deeper and more lasting emotion than infatuation. It is based on a mutual understanding, respect, and appreciation for the other person. Love is characterised by:
Acceptance
Accepting the other person for who they are, flaws and all.
Trust
Feeling confident that the other person cares about you and will not hurt you.
Compassion
Feeling empathy for the other person and wanting to see them happy.
Commitment
Being willing to make a long-term commitment to the other person.
How to tell the difference between infatuation and love?
Infatuation typically fades over time, while love can last for a lifetime
As you get to know the person better, you will start to see their flaws and imperfections. If you are still in love with them after this, then it is likely that you are truly in love.
Love is a selfless emotion. You want what is best for the other person, even if it means sacrificing your own needs. Infatuation is more self-serving. You are focused on how the other person makes you feel, and you may not be as concerned about their needs.
Which is stronger, love or infatuation?
Love is generally considered to be stronger than infatuation. This is because love is based on a deeper connection with the other person, while infatuation is based on superficial qualities. However, infatuation can sometimes be stronger in the short term, as it is often accompanied by a strong physical attraction.
Ultimately, the best way to determine whether you are feeling infatuation or love is to get to know the person better and see how your feelings develop over time.