Do I Have a Crush Quiz: Love or Illusion?

Since ancient times, humanity has tried to unravel the mysteries of love and infatuation. This enduring feeling has been extolled in poetry, depicted on canvases, and inspired great feats. Our quiz will help determine whether your infatuation is a fleeting crush or something deeper. Let’s delve into the history of this notion and untangle the intricacies of displaying infatuation.

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What is a “Crush”?

The term “crush” has a rather curious origin. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, it was first recorded in 1884 from student slang. Literally translated as “to crush, to overwhelm”, it reflects the overpowering force of intense romantic feelings.

In modern understanding, a crush is an excessive, often unrequited infatuation based on fantasies and idealization of a person. Unlike true love, it has a more superficial, sometimes fleeting nature focused mainly on outward attractiveness.

Types of Infatuation

Infatuation manifests itself in different ways – from a light fancy to all-consuming passion. Let’s look at the main types:

Platonic Infatuation

Stemming from the teachings of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, who distinguished two types of love – “eros” (passionate) and “agape” (spiritual, selfless). Platonic infatuation falls into the second category and implies a deep soulful attachment without sexual desire. Often observed between very close people.

Passionate Infatuation

A searing, turbulent feeling dominated by physical sexual attraction. Usually accompanied by strong arousal and intrusive intimate fantasies. Such infatuation can be destructive, robbing one of common sense and self-control.

Spiritual Infatuation

Combines soulful and intellectual connection, commonality of views, values and interests. It is this kind of infatuation that often becomes a solid foundation for long and harmonious relationships.

Infatuation Across Cultures and Eras

Although infatuation is an integral human trait, its perception and social norms have varied greatly. In Ancient Greece, homoerotic relationships between men were common and encouraged. While in medieval Europe, the concept of courtly love emerged, with knights extolling unattainable women and serving them.

In some Eastern cultures, strictly arranged marriages by design were practiced, where romance played no role. But Europeans of the Romantic era deified feelings and passion. In modern society, perceptions of infatuation are largely shaped by pop culture – movies, TV shows, music, where it is often portrayed in an embellished way.

Signs of Infatuation

Surely we have all experienced some of its symptoms: butterflies in the stomach, loss of appetite or insomnia. Let’s look in more detail at the psychological and physiological manifestations of a crush:

Physical Signs

• Rapid heartbeat, blushing at the sight of the object of infatuation
• Dry mouth, sweaty palms 
• Muscle tension
• Dizziness, trembling  
• Sleep and concentration problems

Psychological Signs

• Constant thoughts, fantasies about the chosen one
• Idealized image, attribution of uncharacteristic qualities
• Need to constantly please, attract attention
• Jealousy, fear of rejection or loss  
• Depression upon breakup

The more of these symptoms manifest, the stronger the infatuation. With prolonged influence, it can have negative physical consequences like weight loss or insomnia.

Difference Between Infatuation and Love

At first glance, they are easily confused, but there is a fundamental difference between them. Infatuation is an illusion, a state of altered consciousness based on physical attraction and idealization. True mature love is built on acceptance of a person as a whole, with all their virtues and flaws.

Mutual respect, trust, the desire for common growth and development – these are the hallmarks of a truly strong relationship. While infatuation is impulsive, selfish and disregards the interests of the partner. It resembles a drug intoxication, while love is a spiritual and emotional bond that requires great effort.

Conclusion

Infatuation is a wonderful state, full of vivid emotions and impressions. Having taken this test, you will be able to determine whether you are truly experiencing a strong feeling for a person or it is just a fleeting crush. But remember, do not confuse infatuation and love – the latter is much deeper and requires constant work on oneself and the relationship. Allow yourself to immerse in the depths of feeling, but maintain rationality and a sober view of things. And the experience gained will surely teach you to better understand human nature and your own emotions.