A crush is a flutter of infatuation that brings a person feelings of exhilaration and agony. It can be short-lived, or it can last a lifetime – depending on what the person does next with the object of their affection. For most people, a crush is a normal part of the human experience. It is a way of connecting with others and exploring oneself. Whether we are young or old, male or female, having a crush is common for all of us.
In the case of children, they often grow out of it as they mature and move on to relationships that are more serious and long-term. Crushes in teens, though, can last much longer and be a sign of adolescent angst as they transition into adulthood. Even adults can find themselves having a crush as they try to balance their professional life and personal lives. The problem is that a crush can cause unnecessary stress and can be destructive to primary relationships. In fact, greater attraction to alternatives predicts relationship instability and dissolution, often due to infidelity.
The reason that a crush can have such a strong impact is because it triggers the body’s natural euphoric chemicals, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine. These hormones can cause the skittish excitement, nervousness and desire of a crush, as well as an increased heart rate, sweating, blushing and decreased appetite. In more serious cases, these feelings can turn into the altered mental state of limerence, in which a person becomes obsessed with their crush.
When this happens, it’s important to think about the other person’s needs, and not just our own. This can help to prevent crushing from becoming a dangerous habit. It’s also important to remember that a crush is only an emotional attachment and should not be seen as a physical connection.
Having a crush can be an intense and euphoric feeling, but it can also be harmful to your health, especially in the long run. It can lead to high levels of anxiety, depression and fatigue, and it can disrupt sleep patterns. It can also affect your social life, and may contribute to a lack of self-esteem and confidence.
In a recent study, researchers found that having a crush can lead to negative consequences for your well-being, including decreased productivity and emotional instability. To understand why, the team conducted a qualitative study with participants who reported having a crush in their current life. Participants were able to openly express their feelings and thoughts about their crush and the effect it had on their lives. The following excerpts were coded by the research team and represent the most common themes that emerged from these open-ended responses: