Whats the difference between being in love and infatuation??

Question

Any1 care to enlighten me please?

Answer 1

love is self sacrifice, and an action word. A feeling of devotion...

Infatuation is object of extravagant, like a short-lived passion... puppy love...

Answer 2

It's pretty similar at the beginning. To love someone you must first be infatuated by them. You think it's love but then when the initial excitement wades off, you realise you didn't love the person. Every relationship goes through infatuation, some die after that, some discover true love.

Answer 3

Two years ago, my girlfriend went on a 10 day trip to San Francisco with her girlfriends. I was so angry that she didn't invite me. She had just injured her foot and went to her parents for 4 weeks, and she was leaving the day after she got home.

While she was gone, I got a huge bonus from work. When I opened the check, I could've bought anything. But, despite my anger, all I could think of is what I could do to make her happy. I proceed to buy an engagement ring and plan a romantic evening. We are now engaged.

That is love. When you feel the desire to do something for your mate regardless of the "in the now" feeling.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

How to Know the Difference Between Love, Infatuation and Lust
While there's no clear, fool-proof way to decipher your feelings for someone, there are certain ways to make the distinction between love, lust and infatuation clearer for yourself.



Steps

Could it be love?Write down everything that you associate with the person you're feeling strongly about. Example words on your brainstorm list could include love, butterflies, sex, holding hands, annoying snoring, gorgeous, etc.
Circle each attribute with a different color such as red for lust, yellow for infatuation, and green for love.
See which of the three feelings dominates the page. If one doesn't stand out (like if the distribution seems pretty equal), move on to the following steps for more insight.

Or is it lust?Read literature on the topic. Questions about love are timeless questions that have consumed mankind throughout the ages and are a major theme in many scriptures, tales from mythology, and literature. Read the story of David and Bathsheba from the Old Testament, 1st Corinthians from the New Testament, the story of Ali and Fatima, Narcissus and Echo, or Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
Ask your friends or, if you find it easier, ask a complete and utter stranger, so that you get an honest opinion and an outsider's point of view. Tell that person how you feel, and ask them if it sounds primarily like love, infatuation, or lust.
Watch a movie that relates to your situation like "Cruel Intentions" (which is about lust, and wanting what you can't have), "Down to You" (which is about love and leaving it all down to the other person), "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" (which is about none of them really but it's about making a mistake and putting it right), "The Phantom of the Opera" (which is about both lust and infatuation) and definitely, "Titanic" (which is about holding on to someone forever until you die - that is love - bittersweet love), also, perhaps, "The Fly" (which is about a woman who falls in love with a man who turns into a fly and then goes insane, and yet remains deeply emotionally attached through this agonizing life change - which is love). Yet understand, that movies are fiction that depict idealized rather than realistic love.



Tips
Keep in mind that in most relationships, you're feeling all three (love, infatuation, and lust) all at once, to some degree.
To help you make tough decisions about your relationship, ask someone you trust who has lots of experience with the kind of relationship you want for yourself. For example: Say you want to be happily married to one person for life. If your parents have both been bitterly divorced three times, then they are probably not the ones to talk to. On the other hand, if they are about to celebrate their 50th anniversary of bliss together, then they may be ideal to learn from.
Lasting relationships are those that are built on love - not infatuation or lust. Imagine the person you love in 50 years when they are old and fat. Would that change how you feel about them? If yes, then what you feel now is most likely lust/infatuation - not love.
Friendship should also weigh into your decision to commit. In 50 years, if you don't genuinely LIKE your mate, you're going to be miserable.
Remember that jealousy is not a result of love. It is more likely to be a result of infatuation, insecurity or fear of being alone. Are you in love with being in relationships?
A major life-changing decision like moving in together, getting engaged or getting married should be a natural step if you love someone. It should not inspire fear.
Take advantage of the post coital "moment of clarity" to examine your feelings.
Give it time. Love takes root slowly and grows with time. Infatuation grows into full bloom almost immediately.



Warnings
If you're not sure about your feelings or your relationship, take things slowly. Spend time apart and see how you are feeling while you are away. Do you miss the person? Or are you more attracted to others when you are apart?

Answer 5

Usually it's time. If you're still getting butterflies after a year, you're in love.

Answer 6

w/ love you're aware of their shortcomings and accept them as they are and w/ infatuation you're oblivious to their shortcomings and think they're perfect.

Answer 7

i am 56 yrs old and still wonder about that. dang maybe i need help