LOVE vs INFATUATION

Young people are often confused and unable to discern the frustrating flush of the magical experience of falling in love.

Infatuation is the initial, instant attraction and intense desire for a person of the opposite sex.

Love is a friendship that has caught fire. It takes root, develops and grows one day at a time. The process is slow.

Infatuation lacks confidence. When he/she is away you wonder if he/she is cheating you. Sometimes you check perhaps even discreetly.

Love means trust. You are calm, secure and unthreatened. Your beloved feels the same also and this makes both even more trustworthy.

Infatuation is marked by a feeling of insecurity. You are excited and eager, but not genuinely happy. There are nagging doubts, unanswered questions or some unclear actions about your beloved that you would not like to examine too closely. It might spoil the dream.

Love is quiet understanding and mature acceptance of imperfection. It is real. It gives you strength and grows beyond you to bolster your beloved. You are warmed by his/her presence even when he/she is away. Miles of distance do not separate you. You want him/her nearer, but near or far, you know he/she is yours and you can wait.

Infatuation has an element of sexual excitement. If you are honest, you can admit it is difficult to be in one another's company, for the underlying fear that it will end in intimacy.

Love is the maturation of friendship. You are confident that you must be friends before you can be lovers.

Infatuation is usually temporary and eventually fades. It, however, might lead you to do things you will regret later, but love never will.

Love is an upper. It makes you look up. Love usually lasts longer and goes deeper than strong sexual Feelings. It makes you think up and makes you a better person.

Infatuation makes you feel anxious, nervous and jealous. You feel convinced that you can't live without the other person. You are unable to see the person for who they really are because he/she is perfect in your eyes.

Love makes you feel excited. You are willing to respect the other person's opinions and accept the good or bad qualities. You share similar values and beliefs and you see the person for who they really are.

Infatuation says, We must get married right away! I can't risk losing you!

Love says, Be patient. Do not panic. Plan your future with confidence. There are rewards in waiting.