Emotional perception of infatuation and love differs sharply.

Infatuation vs. Love: Navigating the Emotional Divide

Emotional perception of infatuation and love differs sharply. Infatuation is usually characterized by a dazzling emotional fervor and the idealization of one’s partner – often to the extent that the person in love fails to notice any flaws and sees their beloved as perfect. It is described as follows: “Everyone has been in love at least once. We all know what that is like. To the one in love, the chosen partner appears flawless; they overlook any shortcomings, which is why they say, ‘Love is blind.’ Those in love believe it will last forever, that no one has ever loved as passionately. However, sooner or later the spell will wear off, reality will set in, and when they open their eyes, nothing will remain of their ‘great love’” (source: link txt).

In contrast, true love develops on a deeper, more conscious level where not only the surge of emotions and physical attraction are important, but also the ability to accept the partner as they are – and sometimes even to sacrifice one’s own interests for their sake. For example, experts emphasize that “infatuation… is rooted in selfishness. I feel good; it is pleasant to be with this girl… And love, on the other hand, is about overcoming selfishness, it is the ability to sacrifice something for the beloved, forgive their faults, and live for them” (source: link txt).

Moreover, infatuation is spontaneous and unconscious in nature, typically short-lived (sometimes lasting up to two years), and accompanied by intense sensual experiences when physical attraction and chemistry between people are sufficient. Love, in contrast, requires a conscious choice and effort; it is oriented toward a long-term relationship in which both partners are willing to support and nurture not only each other but also their bond. As one source puts it: “Thousands of people have been through it. One wants to do the right thing and not offend anyone, but what can you do, we need love so much! Fortunately for me, I noticed in time that infatuation and true love are not one and the same… Infatuation arises on its own. It cannot be willed away. It doesn’t last long…” (source: link txt).

Thus, from an emotional standpoint, infatuation is seen as an intense yet fleeting state dominated by passionate feelings and physical desire, whereas love is a more stable, mature, and conscious emotion that goes beyond mere emotional intensity, requiring mutual growth, acceptance, and self-sacrifice.

Supporting citation(s):
“Everyone has been in love at least once. We all know what that is like. To the one in love, the chosen partner appears flawless; they overlook any shortcomings, hence the saying, ‘Love is blind.’ Those in love believe it will last forever, that no one has ever loved as passionately. But sooner or later, the spell will wear off, reality will set in, and nothing will remain of their ‘great love’” (source: link txt).

“Thousands of people have been through it. One wants to do the right thing and not offend anyone, but what can you do, we need love so much! Fortunately for me, I noticed in time that infatuation and true love are not one and the same. Many do not see this difference. Their notions of love have been taken from novels and soap operas. In fact, infatuation and love are completely different things. In the third chapter, we already pointed out that infatuation is merely one of the human instincts. It is not a conscious choice. Infatuation arises on its own. It cannot be willed away. It doesn’t last long (usually about two years), and it appears to serve the same role as the mating calls of geese” (source: link txt).

“Psychologists generally claim that at the core of infatuation, 90% is sexual attraction. And there is something to that. It is no wonder that the person in love experiences not only emotional but also physical sensations: heat, a trembling of passion, and so on. Moreover, infatuation cannot be called love because its foundation is selfishness. I feel good; it is pleasant to be with this girl—she has a beautiful voice, large eyes, smooth skin, her hair smells lovely, etc. And love is precisely about overcoming selfishness—it's the ability to sacrifice something for the beloved, forgive their shortcomings, and live for them, even when they may not please us” (source: link txt).