Jul 06, 2004 01:04
We all know what its like to get "butterflies" when someone we are attracted to walks into a room, but how do we know when it's love and not simply an infatuation?
Infatuation can be characterized as feeling excited or "turned on", physically and emotionally, when a particular person is present or even when thinking about the person...... When you are infatuated with someone, the tendency to dwell solely on the person's good qualities while neglecting the negative ones is present....... This is not love; placing someone on a pedestal sets you up for disappointment and hurt. With infatuation comes a total devotion to the point of loss of one's identity and self........ Infatuation can be particularly dangerous if the person becomes such a dominant part of your life that you are no longer able to live up to your responsibilities... Having a "crush" on someone is a normal part of growing up and discovering what kind of person you would like to be in a relationship with. If kept in perspective, these crushes can be exciting.
Being in love seems to bridge the gap between infatuation and true love...... It encompasses the intense and passionate feelings at the beginning of a romantic relationship; the excitement of hearing your partner's voice on the telephone or staying up all night talking and watching the sunrise......Eventually, the newness of the relationship wears off and the "spark" may not be as strong; this, however, does not mean that the relationship is over....Nevertheless, it is important to assess whether you are losing your attraction or interest in the other person or whether your feelings are simply developing toward a higher level- more intense love......
Loving someone goes deeper than infatuation or the intensity of feelings surrounding a new relationship. It involves an unconditional acceptance of another person's beliefs, thoughts and feelings. This does not mean, however, that you must agree with the person on all matters in order to love him or her, but an appreciation and respect for opinions and emotions is vital...... Love takes time to develop and involves sharing one's thoughts, feelings, dreams, disappointments and triumphs. Love must also exist at a level in which each person can maintain a sense of his or her identity apart from the relationship...... Loving someone entails acknowledging and accepting everything about him or her, both good and bad.... Your personal growth should not be stunted by the relationship but, rather, must develop more fully because of the relationship.......Loving someone and building a solid relationship is an ongoing process; it will be filled with conflicts and resolutions and should never be taken for granted. To love or to be loved is the greatest gift one can give or receive from another......
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just a thought