Crush is the term for the sensation of infatuation that can make us feel giddy and nervous all at once. It can be a short-lived feeling or it may blossom into something more. Sometimes crushes lead to amazing relationships while other times they go unrequited and leave you feeling, well, crushed. But whether they turn into a romantic relationship or not, they can teach us a lot about ourselves.
A crush can be anything from a person to an idea, a song or even a book. The word itself derives from the Latin word for “crushed” or “destroyed.” When used in a figurative way, it means a powerful force that overcomes or takes over something else: A train can crush cars that are stalled on the tracks, or a large crowd can crush forward to get a closer look at a celebrity.
In teen movies, crushes are often a rite of passage into adulthood. They can cause a bus crash in Mean Girls, a breakup in Titanic or Lady Bird, or they can lead to a rekindled friendship and eventual romantic relationship in Foursome or The Truth About Cats & Dogs. Regardless of the outcome, they usually lead to a dramatic climax and a satisfying denouement where a character resolves their feelings.
Hulu’s new film Crush follows a typical teenage love story with its own fresh take on the social media-obsessed world of overactive hormones and casual sex. But it avoids the pitfalls of being too raunchy by keeping its focus on its teenage characters. The cast is filled with talented actors who play off each other with sharp wit. And Megan Mullally (Will & Grace) delivers a hilarious performance as Paige’s over-sharing but supportive mother.
While a crush can be a fun and exciting experience, it’s important to consider your options carefully before you act on them. This means taking into account your partnerships, if any, and how acting on your crush aligns with your current situation, like your job if it’s a work crush. It also helps to give your crush a chance to get to know you before you bombard them with your feelings or ask for an exclusive date.
If you’re a naturally outgoing and talkative person but suddenly feel tongue-tied when your crush is around, it’s probably because you have a crush. It can be tempting to tease your crush or make them laugh, but that could backfire. They might think that you’re over them or that you have an ulterior motive. Instead, try to let them get to know you and show them what makes you special. Having a crush is a great way to get to know someone and can help you build your confidence and self-esteem.