What is limerence, and are you confusing it with love?

Is It Limerence or Just a Crush? Here's How to Tell the Difference

If You Keep Having Intrusive Thoughts About A Crush, You May Be Experiencing Limerence

Professor Ahmed Hankir on Instagram: "Limerence isn’t just a “crush.” It’s an intense, involuntary state of romantic fixation, marked by intrusive thoughts, emotional dependency, and a powerful need for reciprocation. It can feel euphoric at first — but over time it often becomes anxious, dysregulating, and painful, especially when feelings aren’t returned. Limerence is commonly linked to: • Attachment insecurity • Emotional deprivation • Trauma or abandonment wounds • Dopamine-driven reward pat