A crush is a fleeting, ephemeral emotional attachment to someone. It can be an amazing, exciting experience or agonizing and frustrating. Some crushes blossom into relationships and marriages, while others end up going unrequited, leaving you feeling, well, crushed.
Despite the often negative associations with the term, having a crush is actually a normal and healthy part of life. The feelings of excitement, elation and anticipation that come with having a crush can help you push yourself out of your comfort zone and grow as a person.
However, a lot of people struggle to distinguish between having a crush and being in a relationship. While there are some similarities between the two, such as mood-boosting hormones (like dopamine and oxytocin) being released in your brain, a crush has more of a fantasy element to it, New York City-based therapist Bukky Kolawole told INSIDER.
A crush can also be a form of self-love and acceptance, which can lead to better overall mental health. In fact, a study published in the journal “Psychotherapy” found that crushes can improve your sense of self-worth and boost your self-esteem by making you more open to other romantic opportunities. In addition, crushes can also give you the energy and confidence needed to reach out to your crush and initiate a conversation.
But what happens when you’re in a monogamous relationship and develop feelings for someone else? In a recent op-ed for The Washington Post, relationship coach and therapist Michael Hoffman pointed out that having a crush on someone who’s in a committed relationship can actually be good for you. He said having a crush on someone who’s not your primary partner can help you take care of your current relationship and make sure it’s healthy and happy. It can also teach you how to deal with the disappointment and pain of a breakup, which is helpful for your own future relationships.
Crush, which stars Rowan Blanchard, follows the usual high school romance and coming-of-age tropes with a delightful young cast and some smart scripting. It’s a charming, heartwarming and surprisingly straightforward film at a time when many teen rom-coms tend to overreach or attempt too much.
In terms of a happy ending, Crush is a bit of a slow burn, but the film’s likable cast and filmmaker Sammi Cohen keep things grounded. It’s not revolutionary, but it is a good and entertaining example of how to tackle the teen romance genre with an LGBT perspective.