Infatuation

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Infatuation or being smitten is the state of being carried away by an unreasoned passion, usually towards another person for whom one has developed strong romantic feelings. Psychologist Frank D. Cox says that infatuation can be distinguished from romantic love only when looking back on a particular case of being attracted to a person. Infatuation may also develop into a mature love.^[1] Goldstein and Brandon describe infatuation as the first stage of a relationship before developing into a mature intimacy.^[2] Whereas love is "a warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion to another person", infatuation is "a feeling of foolish or obsessively strong love for, admiration for, or interest in someone or something", a shallower "honeymoon phase" in a relationship.^[3] Dr. Ian Kerner, a sex therapist, states that infatuation usually occurs at the start of relationships, is "...usually marked by a sense of excitement and euphoria, and it's often accompanied by lust and a feeling of newness and rapid expansion with a person".^[3] Phillips describes how the illusions of infatuations inevitably lead to disappointment when learning the truth about a lover.^[4] Adolescents often make people an object of extravagant, short-lived passion or temporary love.^[5]