Does Infatuation Turn to Falling in Love?

Infatuation can turn into love, but it takes work from both partners.
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Infatuation, the giddy feeling that comes early in a relationship, rarely lasts over the long term. When a couple gets to know each other and the butterflies in the stomach fade away, the couple has the potential to fall in love, if the chemistry is right and both parties are willing to commit to a more selfless, mature love.

1 Love and Infatuation

Psychologist Carl Pickhardt explains that it is easier to “fall in love than to grow in love.” Often, the experience of falling in love is the same as infatuation, says Pickhardt. A solid, loving relationship requires commitment and sacrifice, however. That said, knowing the difference between love and infatuation can be difficult, psychologist Michelle Drew writes on PsychCentral. Drew states that infatuation is similar to love, except that it lacks the element of reality. In other words, when you are infatuated with someone, you may overlook their negative qualities or the difficult parts of the relationship, such as meeting your partner’s family. If you are willing to confront the challenge of accepting your partner’s flaws and tackling difficulties as a couple, your infatuation may grow into love.

Anna Green has been published in the "Journal of Counselor Education and Supervision" and has been featured regularly in "Counseling News and Notes," Keys Weekly newspapers, "Travel Host Magazine" and "Travel South." After earning degrees in political science and English, she attended law school, then earned her master's of science in mental health counseling. She is the founder of a nonprofit mental health group and personal coaching service.

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