What is a Crush?

A crush can feel like an overwhelming and short-lived infatuation with a cute coworker or potential romantic partner. It can even be an emotional attachment to a celebrity or a family member. A crush can be an important part of human development and, in some cases, is considered a healthy way to navigate relationships (if it’s mutual).

The word “crush” can be used to describe a person you admire or feel a strong desire for—like your favorite singer or a neighbor. It can also be a feeling that you have for something—like your crush on an ice cream flavor or your favorite soda. The defining characteristic of a crush is that it’s unilateral and unreciprocated. These feelings of attraction can be triggered by something as simple as seeing a familiar face or hearing their voice.

Most of us have had a crush at some point, often during puberty when hormones are raging. But crushes can also strike at any age, and even when you’re in a committed relationship or are happily single. Whether you’re crushing on your coworker or your BFF, it’s always good to take things slow and avoid ambushing them with your wants and needs, which may push them away instead of bringing you closer.

There are many different ways to crush something, from squeezing an object into small fragments, to pushing or pounding it to subdue, as in crushing a rebel uprising with military might. But one of the most common meanings of crush is the state of being infatuated with someone. This is a powerful emotion, and it can be felt across a variety of social contexts—like when you find yourself blushing incessantly every time your crush walks by or when you listen to their music with your heart racing.

Researchers have found that having a crush can actually be beneficial for your health, as long as you’re careful not to act on it. A study from 2012 found that people with a crush experience a greater sense of happiness, self-esteem, and social connectedness than those without one. It’s also been shown to reduce levels of cortisol, which is a stress-related chemical.

Another study found that having a crush doesn’t usually lead to infidelity. But it’s important to note that this study included participants who were already in a committed relationship, and that their crushes were limited to real-world people with whom they could potentially interact, rather than fantasy or celebrity crushes.

In general, most researchers believe that crushes are a normal part of human life and serve a purpose, such as promoting empathy and allowing individuals to practice and learn about their own personal boundaries around romantic and sexual attractions. Having a crush can also help people develop coping mechanisms for distressing events and can be useful in establishing motivational expectations or goals.

The popular soft drink Crush was first introduced in 1911. The original recipe contained real orange pulp and juice, but it was later replaced with artificial ingredients that were more shelf-stable. Today, the brand is owned by Keurig Dr Pepper and competes with Coca-Cola’s Fanta and Sunkist. The soda comes in a variety of flavors, and discerning connoisseurs will look for an old-fashioned metal juicer on the bar when ordering a crush to ensure that it is made with fresh fruit.