Is loving too much ever an issue? Sometimes subtle or hidden conflicts in emotions, identity or self-esteem come up for people in a pattern of intense “crushes” or episodes of very strong romantic feelings for another person. Very often the object of the crush is of ambiguous availability. Most often the feelings are not explicitly or directly expressed, but rather fantasized about – a lot!
The fantasies and wondering can feel fun, stimulating and invigorating. But in time can turn into a burdensome situation, which unexplored can end up interfering with a person’s ability to grow and move forward in one or more important life areas.
Therapy is a great place to explore and learn about the underlying reasons these feeling and behavior patterns have developed. The therapeutic frame and patient-therapist relationship provide support that can help you get unstuck, if your crushes are holding you back.
This short BBC video (scroll down to bottom or this page) is great for giving a flavor of the emotional and behavior patterns often associated with this issue.
From the BBC website:
Have you ever spent countless hours idly daydreaming about another? The mere inkling of an encounter sending you into euphoria?
Limerence is an addictive form of romantic attraction, first defined in the late 1970’s by American psychologist Dorothy Tennov. But what are the signs your crush might be getting out of hand and what can you do about it?
Script by Jono Namara
Animation by Dominika Ożyńska
