What is a Crush?

A crush is an infatuation that elicits a mix of exhilaration and anxiety, boldness and insecurity, hope and fear. Sometimes, these feelings blossom into something meaningful, and other times they go unrequited, leaving us feeling crushed — both literally and emotionally. No matter how it plays out, a crush can teach us some important lessons about ourselves and the people we love.

Crush is also a wine term, specifically referring to one of the main steps in the process of turning grapes into vino: crushing. The crush is a critical step in the whole winemaking process, which also includes fermentation, fining/clarification and aging/bottling.

The word “crush” has several meanings, though most often it is used to describe a romantic interest. It can also refer to someone who is admired or envied, and even to a food or beverage.

A person who has a crush on someone will often be smitten by them and may feel a strong desire to be near them. They’ll likely talk about them a lot with friends and others, perhaps even calling them by name. They’ll want to see them every time they can, and may be willing to sacrifice sleep or other commitments in order to do so. They’ll probably check out their social media, stalking their photos and updates to learn more about them.

It’s not uncommon for kids to have crushes, especially in middle and high school. It can be confusing for them to figure out what they’re feeling and how to act on it, but parents can help provide some context and guidance to kids when they’re trying to work through their feelings.

If you suspect that you might have a crush on someone, take it slow and be thoughtful about how you approach them. If you know them well, try flirting with them if that feels comfortable, or ask to get together outside of your usual shared settings. Keep in mind that your crush may be in a relationship, so be careful not to disrupt their lives.

Another way to determine whether you have a crush is by paying attention to their body language. If they lean toward you or touch your hand when talking to you, that’s a good sign. They’ll also be more animated and engaging when you’re around them, and may mirror some of your behaviors and mannerisms.

If you have a crush, you’ll probably experience the same mood-boosting hormones that come with feelings of love and sexual attraction, expert Stephanie Cacioppo tells INSIDER. These include dopamine and oxytocin, which make you feel excited and happy. They can also increase your heart rate, give you that butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling, and cause obsessive thoughts.

What Is a Game?

A game is a contest or pastime in which people contend against each other according to a set of rules. It can be as simple as tug of war or as complex as association football. Whether they are played for fun or for millions of dollars, games have winners and losers. Some games require skill, strategy or luck to win; others merely call for attention and effort.

In the past, some games were derived from divination, like throwing sticks to determine the future. This element of chance was eventually removed, making games such as chess and checkers more based on skill. Others, like baseball and basketball, have immutable rules that cannot be changed without destroying the game itself.

Video games are often considered sedentary hobbies but many new titles encourage movement and motion. Some games even have social elements, such as playing with other players online or interacting with virtual characters. If handled sensibly, these types of games can help kids develop motor skills, improve their language abilities and interact with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Most people play games to have fun, but some people are in it for the money. Professional sports players, for example, are paid millions of dollars to do what they love—play a game. Other people may be in it for the recognition, such as when a celebrity plays a game on television to raise awareness of a particular issue or cause.

A game is a mode of interaction between a player and an electronic visual display that creates an immersive fictional context, sustains an emotional attachment between the player and the outcomes of her actions within this fictional context, and encourages the player to continue participation. This mode of interaction is characterized by certain characteristics:

When talking about video games, the term platform refers to the system that a game is played on. There are a variety of platforms on which games can be played, from traditional consoles to mobile phones and tablets. The most popular platforms for video games are Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X and PlayStation 4.

While a game can be played on a single machine, it is usually more enjoyable with multiple players. Multiplayer video games, a genre of computer game, have been around for decades and are becoming more mainstream as the technology becomes cheaper and more accessible.

The process of creating a game involves several departments and teams all working together to bring the final product to market. It is important that all members of the team be able to communicate well, both verbally and in writing, so that misunderstandings do not occur. This is especially important for video game designers because they must be able to explain their ideas clearly and concisely to their teammates. Without clear communication, it is easy for mistakes and misunderstandings to occur, which can result in a poor-quality game that will not sell well in stores.

How to Define Love

When you fall in love, you can’t help but feel a giddy feeling that may be difficult to describe. However, love is much more than a feeling. It is the way you act, the things you do and the commitment you make.

While some people believe in the concept of “love at first sight,” most experts say that real love requires time to get to know someone and for the feeling of deep affection to develop. Unlike simple liking, true love cares about the person and their well-being as a whole and is unconditional.

In the past two decades, scientific research on emotion has increased dramatically. Researchers have categorized three primary and three secondary and nine tertiary emotions, including fear, anger, sadness, jealousy, happiness and love. The most common emotion described as love is a combination of passion, intimacy and loyalty. It is a complex emotional state, and it’s also a powerful force for good in the world.

People who experience love describe it differently, and it is influenced by their genetics, personality and relationship history. Generally, loving people tend to have a more mature understanding of relationships than those who are not in love. They are also more likely to seek out and share positive experiences with the people they love, according to research.

Many people have more than one type of love, and they usually exhibit a mix of the three primary styles: eros, pragma and agape. Eros is a passionate, sexual love that is based on attraction and physical intimacy. It is often accompanied by physiological arousal and a desire to spend more time with the loved one. Pragmatic love is a kind of practical, realistic commitment that often results from a desire to make the best possible choices for a relationship. It’s characterized by a strong need for security and a preoccupation with the well-being of the partner. Agape is a self-sacrificing love that stems from a sense of duty and morality.

It is important to note that while the feeling of love can change and mellow over time, it never really goes away. It is just that sometimes there are days, weeks or even longer when you don’t feel all mushy-gushy in love with your significant other. And that’s okay!

Neurophysiological studies show that when you are madly in love, your brain is flooded with dopamine, the brain’s natural feel-good chemical. In particular, an area called the ventral tegmental area is active during a rush of euphoria triggered by romantic love. The same area of the brain is activated when you take cocaine, a mood-enhancing drug.