Love, Crush-or Limerence?

Most of us have felt attracted to someone.

- ERA DUTTA

A harmless crush. A flutter. A little excitement. But sometimes, the feeling doesn't stay light. It grows heavier, louder, and harder to ignore.Pria (name changed) described spending long stretches of her day thinking about a man she met at the gym. Nothing major had happened between them. Just small moments, a smile, a brief conversation, eye contact that felt meaningful. Yet these moments replayed in her mind again and again. She started noticing his routines, his mood, and how he behaved around others. In her head, stories formed about what could be. Online, she repeatedly checked his social media, rereading posts and searching for hidden meaning. She knew she was overthinking. She knew these signs might mean nothing. Still, the attachment felt strong, one-sided, difficult to switch off, and emotionally draining.

This isn't love. And it's more than a casual crush. It is Limerence.

WHAT IS LIMERENCE?