Introduction
Limerence is a term coined by psychologist Dorothy Tennov in her book ‘Love and Limerence’ to describe a state of intense romantic desire or infatuation. It goes beyond mere attraction or love and involves obsessive thoughts and fantasies about the object of one’s affection.
Characteristics of Limerence
- Constant thinking about the person
- Desire for reciprocation
- Intense emotional highs and lows
- Focus on perceived flaws of the other person
Examples of Limerence
One famous example of limerence is the story of Romeo and Juliet. Their intense infatuation for each other led to tragic consequences. Another example could be a person who cannot get someone out of their mind, despite the lack of mutual feelings.
Case Studies
In a study conducted by the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, it was found that around 96% of participants reported experiencing limerence at some point in their lives. This shows how common and powerful this phenomenon can be.
Statistics on Limerence
Around 70% of people have experienced limerence at least once in their lives. It is more common in the early stages of a romantic relationship when feelings of passion are at their peak.
Limerence can also be a sign of underlying issues such as low self-esteem or the need for validation from others.
