Love is something that inevitably happens to us at least once in a lifetime. When we’re infatuated, just thinking about the object of our affection makes our heart beat faster, and emotions become erratic. Life seems so exciting, the world incredibly full of joy, and everything around is magically bright.
But sometimes, all of this fades quickly, especially when you’re very young. Because there is a thin line between love and infatuation that you won’t notice until you’re experienced enough. So, to keep your head on straight both literally and figuratively, AdmiGram.com will teach you how to distinguish real love from fleeting infatuation.
5 differences between love and infatuation
Difference №1
© WoodWatch / Unsplash
When we’re infatuated, adrenaline literally rushes in our chest. Infatuation develops almost instantaneously. It’s like being hit by a bolt of magical electricity. But love is tender and grows over time. Love creeps up on you, it’s quieter and softer. It needs time to develop. It requires patience, understanding, and diligent work. It allows you to find a peaceful corner within yourself, whereas infatuation is like dancing with fire.
Difference №2
© Jonathan Borba / Unsplash
Infatuation always arises from elevated emotions and inflated expectations of being very close and similar to someone. But all of this is only surface-level and relies on the idealization of reality multiplied by a surge of hormones. Love, on the other hand, isn’t afraid to dive deep and accept in a person everything that no one ever shows. Infatuation idealizes a person, making us deceive ourselves and believe in what we want to see. Love consciously accepts everything as it truly is.
Difference №3
© Roberto Nickson / Unsplash
Infatuation is uncertainty and adrenaline. Constant torments, “sweet” agonies, and an endless stream of questions. But with love, everything is always calm, and there are answers to absolutely everything. Infatuation consists of peaks and surges. It’s like riding a roller coaster. Emotional instability, fears, and ignoring obvious facts are inherent in infatuation. Love is a quiet harbor where everything is based on trust and the proper acceptance of the person close to you.
Difference №4
© Baylee Gramling / Unsplash
When infatuation completely overwhelms you, you begin to feel like your individuality takes a back seat. You seem to want to live in the shoes of someone you’re not. To be like some nonexistent Superman, to commit strange acts. Love, however, doesn’t accept any irrationality. It allows us to be ourselves and fully trust someone who knows us better than we know ourselves. Love is where two rivers merge into one, not where a single waterfall rages.
Difference №5
© Lou Lou B Photo / Unsplash
Infatuation is reckless, love is mature. Love accepts, while infatuation seeks to consume. Love is more than just emotions. It’s something that changes life. When love comes, maturity comes too: we learn how to be vulnerable, how to compromise, and how to grow together with someone. Love aims to erase differences and build a bond that allows both to become one entity.
image on top: Atlas Green / Unsplash
