Whether it’s your crush on the guy with the perfect hair or that infatuation with the barista who remembers your order, the feeling can be exhilarating. But a crush isn’t necessarily something to act on, especially if you’re in a committed relationship, psychologists tell INSIDER. In fact, a crush is often a sign that you’re dissatisfied with your current relationship. It might be time to reassess your needs and communicate clearly with your partner.
The word crush comes from the figurative idea of being overwhelmed or crushed by something, like a crowd of people on a subway car or an avalanche. It can also be used to describe a state of being or someone who feels that way, as in “I have a crush on you.”
A crush is the infatuation with someone, usually romantic, and can vary in intensity. It can be mild or intense, mutual or unrequited. It can last for a long time or be over in an instant, but whatever the case, it’s a difficult emotion to deal with.
People tend to develop crushes on other people who remind them of themselves, psychologists say. This is because we view the person as having qualities we value in ourselves, like honesty or intelligence. The combination of idealization and infatuation can be extremely exhilarating, and even the most level-headed adults can get swept away by their feelings for the person they like.
In a movie, having a crush is usually a short-lived experience that ends in either a breakup or a happy ending, depending on the story and characters. It’s also an important stage of life, as it can help a person realize the things that they value and what kind of relationship they want to be in.
A movie that depicts a crush is an interesting way to understand what it’s like to feel these emotions. The new Hulu movie Crush is a good example, though it doesn’t quite succeed in showing the full range of emotions and experiences.
The film stars Rowan Blanchard as Paige, a high school student with a crush on her teammate Gabby. The two are often shown together, and the movie focuses on how their relationship evolves through a series of events. Crush features a handful of talented comedic actors, including Aasif Mandvi as a cynical coach and Megan Mullally as the school’s principal. But it’s difficult to shake the feeling that it was made for the same audience that flocks to films and TV shows about same-sex teen romance, rather than those who simply enjoy seeing more diversity on screen. Despite its many admirable aspects, Crush leaves viewers wanting more nuance, humor, and real humanity.