Having a crush on someone can make your palms sweaty, your knees wobble, and your stomach twist in knots. That’s because having a crush on someone releases mood-boosting hormones like dopamine and oxytocin, which can make you feel like your heart is beating faster and give you that butterflies-in-the-stomach feeling. While it’s different than falling in love, having a crush can make you feel like your whole world. Whether it’s the boy in your chemistry class or the girl next door, having a crush can feel like your entire life is about that one person—and even when it ends, you still have their memory close to you.
While many people think that crushing on someone is a harmless and fun way to spend time, it can actually be very detrimental. Crushing on someone, especially if it’s unrequited, can cause feelings of sadness, anxiety, and depression. It can also affect your daily functioning and self-esteem. According to a study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania, having a crush can lead to feelings of envy and insecurity. It can also cause you to seek attention from other sources such as friends and social media to satisfy your needs and emotions.
In the study, researchers found that most of the negative outcomes of having a crush were based on moral concerns such as a perceived betrayal by their primary partner or jealousy from another individual. However, they also reported positive effects such as excitement and increased esteem. In addition to enhancing their own sense of well-being, the participants in the study believed that having a crush might also positively impact their primary relationships.
Reviewing a modern teenage romantic comedy like Hulu’s Crush is a tricky balancing act for any critic a few years removed from their high-school days. On one hand, it can be easy to dismiss the film as cheesy or cliche. On the other, critiquing it for not being more nuanced or relatable can backfire and make you look out of touch.
Directed by Sammi Cohen (Hollywood Darlings) from a script by Kirsten King and Casey Rackham, Crush stars Rowan Blanchard as Paige, an aspiring artist whose crush on a teammate pushes her to become a reluctant member of the track team. When her friendly relationship with a fellow teammate blossoms into something unexpected, Paige is forced to confront her feelings of longing and learn what true love really feels like. Crush hits Hulu April 29th. It’s a sweet and funny movie that will appeal to teens. It’s a fun film with plenty of charm and a charming leading lady, but it’s ultimately predictable. That being said, it’s a must-see for fans of the genre. For more information, check out the official website for the film. Also, follow @HuluCrush on Twitter to keep up with the latest updates.