What is the Difference Between Love and Infatuation?

The main difference between love and infatuation lies in the depth, intensity, and stability of the feelings involved. Here are the key differences between the two:

1. Depth of feelings: Love is a deeper experience that involves knowing someone fully, feeling bonded and close to them, and caring about them in an enduring way that is not centered around how they make you feel. Infatuation, on the other hand, is a strong feeling of attraction, fascination, and fixation towards someone, often without knowing them well.
2. Perception of the person: In love, you see the person as they are, acknowledging their strengths and weaknesses. In infatuation, you may idealize the person and see them as flawless or perfect, despite evidence of differences.
3. Long-term versus short-term: Love reflects a deep connection and is often long-lasting. Infatuation is more of a surface-level feeling and may not lead to a long-term relationship.
4. Focus on the other person: Love is based in reality and is fed on closeness and knowledge of the other person. Infatuation is often a fantasy-based, passionate longing for someone else and may prevent you from acknowledging their weaknesses.
5. Impact on daily life: Being in love usually makes you want to take care of the other person, plan a future with them, and notice them as a positive addition to your life. If it is infatuation, you may cross boundaries, spend an unhealthy amount of time thinking of the person, and let it impede your functioning.

In summary, love is a deeper, more enduring connection that involves seeing the person as they are, while infatuation is a short-lived, shallow feeling based on an idealized version of the person.

Comparative Table: Love vs Infatuation

Here is a table highlighting the differences between love and infatuation:

Love is a deeper, more lasting emotion based on mutual respect, care, and commitment, while infatuation is an intense, passionate feeling that often diminishes over time.