LOVE VERSUS INFATUATION

As I contemplated on this topic for many, many months, I got so overwhelmed at undertaking this topic to be one of my new articles. Why? Everyone who has ever believed that they have been in love will probably argue over the fact that it was love and not infatuation. However, both words have a whole lot of differences in their meanings. Therefore, let’s first define both words:

 

According to the Oxford Languages Dictionary: “Love is an intense feeling of deep affection. An example of this: “Babies fill parents with feelings of love;” “a great interest and pleasure in something.” For example: His love for football.”

 

According to the Oxford Languages Dictionary: Infatuation: “an intense but short lived passion or admiration for someone or something”.

 

I, personally like Google’s definition of the word, Infatuation: “a feeling of foolish or obsessively strong love for, admiration for, or interest in someone, or something: strong and unreasoning attachment.”

 

For the purposes of this article, we will briefly describe the differences between Love and Infatuation. I am sure a lot of you will be surprised thinking you already knew the differences. However, it is not as simple and obvious as you all may think and believe it is.

 

According to Quora:

 

“Infatuation:

 

1. You can’t stop thinking about the person

2. They’re hot no matter how they look, no make up, lots of make up, chubby, thin, they’re just plain hot

3. They can do no wrong in your eyes

4. You imagine life with them as a bed of roses

5. When you think of them, you get very excited, blush, giggle, smile, have butterflies in your stomach

 

Love:

 

1. You think about them in balance with everything else in your life, such as work, studies, family and friends.

2. Their personality, character, and kindness is hot, regardless of how they look on the outside

3. You clearly see their flaws, they’ve made mistakes (as have you) and you’ve had discussions or even arguments and made it out stronger instead of breaking up over them.

4. You imagine life with them as a commitment and loyalty through all the future challenges you’ll face together

5. When you think of them, you feel relaxed, comfortable, safe and warm.”

 

I like how Google describes being in love with another:

 

According to Google: “When you're in love with someone, you'll start to develop strong compassion for them. The powerful urge to be connected to this person brings new aspects to your relationship, such as emotional or physical intimacy, passion, and a desire to know everything about them, and be known by them in return. “

 

How do you know if it's just Infatuation?

 

According to Google’s description of Infatuation: “Infatuation is rooted in passion, excitement and lust. It's intoxicating. You might crave to be physically near the person as much as you can. But if they wouldn't be your first call if you had a bad day, or you are afraid of burdening them with a problem, it probably hasn't evolved into love yet.”

 

How do I know I'm in love with someone:

 

According to Google’s description of being in Love with someone: “you might feel completely dedicated to your partner, ready to do anything and everything to help them through a tough spot or even just make their lives a little easier. Empathy and your fast-growing attachment can fuel your desire to be there for them and help them however possible. “Have any of you ever felt this way about another person in your relationship? Think about it and ponder on this description to determine whether or not you are indeed in Love with that other person in your relationship, or is it pure Infatuation.

 

Personally, I believe that true love takes time. Smeet is a global chat community, where we have many opportunities to meet and chat and get to know another person(s) from other countries. However, just because one dates the other individual on Smeet, does not equate to being in Love. The reason is quite simple. One needs to meet the person in real life, date him/her, get to know him/her, accept him/her just as he/she is. There must be Trust, Respect, Loyalty, Love, Effective Communication with both partners agreeing upon solutions for every problem in every relationship. With any one of those important ingredients missing, the relationship is doomed for failure. Relationships are hard work and both parties have to work hard at it to keep it going for the long term and keeping it solid and strong.

 

Hope all of the above information, give all of you some kind of idea that there are clear differences between being in love and being infatuated by another person whom you have just met whether online Smeet or in real life.

 

So until we meet again, keep on smiling, dancing and meeting new people at all of our daily DJ events, parties, and public rooms. If you see me around on Smeet, please do not hesitate to say Hi to me and if you have a question(s), or would like to read on a topic that was not published in my past years’ articles, please message me in private.

 

Always remember this: Love one another because, Love conquers everything. Happy Smeeting.

 

 

SAYURI, EN JOURNALIST