When a crush hits, your heart races and your stomach flutters. You may spend the day thinking about your crush, fantasizing about them and imagining all kinds of scenarios in their company. This is because a crush causes the body to release feel-good hormones, such as dopamine and oxytocin. It’s a high that can leave you feeling energized and even giddy, especially if your crush reciprocates your feelings. But, if they don’t, you may be left feeling like your heart has been crushed.
A crush can be a good or bad thing, and it can depend on how you handle it and the person’s reaction to it. For some people, a crush can lead to more serious relationships. For others, it can be a distraction that interferes with their daily lives and prevents them from getting to know other potential romantic partners. In some cases, a crush can be so overwhelming that it leads to a breakup, causing one’s self-esteem and confidence to suffer.
Regardless of how a crush makes you feel, it’s important to understand that it’s normal to have these feelings. A crush is often a precursor to something more, and it can help us learn about ourselves. It can also teach us a lot about how we behave in certain situations. If you’re ready to learn more about what a crush is and how it can affect your life, keep reading.
According to a recent study, many people report having a crush—that is, an intense but usually short-lived infatuation with someone they see as a desirable partner, but with whom there are low or no chances of being a couple. In the study’s open-ended questions, respondents were asked to rate their perception of positive and negative outcomes associated with a crush.
The positive outcomes most commonly cited by participants included fun and excitement. Codes for fantasy and self-esteem boosts also emerged, but were less common than the first two. Finally, some participants noted that a crush can be a source of creativity and a catalyst for new experiences.
Some of the negative consequences of a crush included moral concerns that a crush could represent some type of betrayal or unfaithfulness to their primary relationship. This was especially true for people who were already in a monogamous relationship when they developed a crush.
Whether you’re single or in a relationship, having a crush can be a great way to spice up your life and give you a fresh perspective on the people around you. But, if it doesn’t work out and your crush rejects you, you’ll still gain some valuable lessons. As the saying goes, “when your crush turns out to be a dud, just let it go!” (Or in more romantic terms, “flirt and forget.”) Hopefully, when your next crush comes along, they’ll be worth the wait.