Infatuation: The Definition, How to Break Out & 47 Signs You’re Deeply Infatuated

You are wondering whether you are experiencing signs of infatuation or love. Here is what you need to know in order to find out the difference!

Have you ever felt this way? You’re constantly thinking about the object of your affection, and checking your phone for their reply. You need more of this person. You can’t focus on anything, and you can’t get anything accomplished. Well, those are some signs of infatuation!

If this is infatuation, of course, you need to enjoy every moment. Also, keep yourself reminded of your emotions. Infatuation can lead to love and a relationship, but it can also lead to heartbreak.

Having a strong crush on someone is an overpowering feeling. 

Infatuation can make you do the most unheard-of, inane things for the sake of your intense feelings for the object of your infatuation. However, while you may think that you’re head-over-heels in selfless love, what you feel, being merely infatuation, is essentially selfish.

This is because when you are infatuated, you solely focus on how the other person makes you feel, rather than consider whether or not that feeling is reciprocated. [Read: Is it just a big crush or could it be limerence?]

Thus, infatuation can cause us to act and think in selfish ways, in the sense that you “take” from the other person and let this taking fill and assure you, therefore justifying the relationship or the feeling as “love.”

So how do we know, exactly, if our feelings for another person are just infatuation and not love? 

Is this love? Probably not, at least not yet, but it’s definitely infatuation. If you’re completely obsessed, then you know what this feels like. 

You may think you’ve fallen in love, and hopefully, you have, but don’t jump to conclusions right away. [Read: Infatuation vs love and 20 ways to tell the real differences instantly]

Here, we discuss what infatuation really is, how it’s different from love, and how you know if you’re really infatuated with someone or if it could be something more. 

Infatuation defined

Infatuation is best defined as strong and often foolish and extravagant passion or admiration that is often short-lived. The feeling is heady and intoxicating, taking you to the highest of heights when things go well, and the lowest of lows when it doesn’t.

Some relationships start out as infatuation, burning brightly as the couple can’t seem to get their eyes and hands off of each other at first. [Read: 10 signs you’re lovesick and 10 ways to get out of it]

These feelings are so strong, like a fire taking over your whole being. If you’re one of the lucky few, this infatuation will mellow down into something tamer and more lasting, which can be considered “love.”

However, some people can mistake infatuation for love, which can result in their making all sorts of impulsive *and even crazy* decisions. 

When the flame of infatuation eventually dies down, it will be easier to see that your feelings weren’t real love at all, and you can be well on your way to finding another person to fan the embers and light your life anew.

So how do you know if what you’re feeling is just infatuation or true love? Sometimes it’s difficult to know. [Read: Am I in love? 30 signs to read the fuzzy flutters after infatuation]

What causes infatuation? 

One of the major causes of infatuation is the chemical reactions that take place in your brain. When you see or are with the object of your affection, phenylethylamine (PEA) is released by your body. 

This is a natural alkaloid that speeds up communication between your nerve cells. This, in turn, triggers your brain to release dopamine. That is what causes the feeling of euphoria.

In addition, other chemicals stimulate the production of adrenaline. These chemicals act as amphetamines, which make you have a lot more energy and feel really happy. The effects of these chemical reactions can last anywhere from six months to three years. [Read: 13 Signs to recognize true love when it comes into your life]

When the chemicals subside, people feel as if they are coming off a “high” – just like a drug.

At this point, the two people have either fallen in love and will continue the relationship, or they will break up and find someone else to be infatuated with in order to feel the same bliss.

Is infatuation a good or bad thing? 

Just like with anything in life, infatuation can be both good and bad depending on the circumstances. It’s good because it makes you feel amazing. It feels like you’re high on a drug and that the world is an amazing place. You feel happy to be alive!

But on the other hand, infatuation can be bad because it can lead to heartbreak. If the person you are infatuated with doesn’t feel the same way, then that will make you feel worse.

Or if one or both of the people are already in a relationship with someone else, things could get ugly. [Read: 20 Subtle secrets to play it cool with a guy and not be distant or clingy]

So, only you can decide for yourself whether or not your infatuation is a good or bad thing. Hopefully, you will find it to be a positive experience in your life. But some people don’t.

Infatuation vs. Love

To more aptly define what infatuation is, you must also be able to distinguish it from what it isn’t. Although infatuation can often be mistaken for love, it isn’t love. 

You may have gotten yourself into all sorts of problems and troubles thinking that the strong feelings you have for another person are true love, which is something more serious, deeper, and long-lasting. [Read: The real signs of true love in a relationship]

Here’s how to distinguish infatuation from love:

1. Perfection and flaws

When you’re infatuated with a person, you tend to think that person has all the qualities in a romantic partner you’ve ever wanted, and more—you think that they’re perfect. 

However, when you’re in love, you have a more realistic grasp of the fact that the person is not perfect, but you love them anyway and accept their flaws. [Read: 9 relationship stages that all couples go through]

2. Selfish desires

When you’re infatuated, you want that person to always be with you. Often, you both forget your responsibilities because you want to be together. 

You expect everything else to take a back seat. When it’s love, however, you become more selfless and more considerate of each other’s needs and priorities. [Read: 12 signs you’re being selfish in the relationship]

3. Possessiveness

It’s common to want to be with each other 24/7 when you are infatuated. You’ll likely always want *or even demand* that they spend all their time with you, resulting in you becoming possessive and even insecure.

You want their presence to be an assurance of your feelings. But when you’re in love, you understand that they don’t have to be around you for you to feel good about yourself or your relationship. [Read: 20 glaring signs you have a control freak in you]

The subtle signs it’s only infatuation

Love and lust are one hell of a drug. 

Even if you think you have a handle on the difference between love and infatuation, when you find yourself caught up in the throes of passion, it can be extremely difficult to tell the two apart. 

If you suspect your feelings may be a bit out of control, try to take a step back and examine yourself and your relationship as objectively as possible. 

Here are some signs of infatuation.

1. You can’t focus on anything else

It’s taking you twice as long to finish a simple task, you’re not listening when people talk to you, and you find yourself making stupid mistakes.

It’s horrible, you feel like you’ve lost control of your body and mind. [Read: Totally smitten or mildly crushing? How to split them apart]

You’re doing one thing, but your mind is wandering off to thoughts about your crush. Whether you’re at work, in school, doing chores, or even hanging out with other people, you can’t seem to perform at your once-optimum level because your focus is not on what’s in front of you. 

Instead, you’re constantly letting your thoughts of that special someone totally consume your focus and drive.

2. Everything reminds you of them

That cupcake in the window shop? It reminds you of the shots you two pounded back at the bar. Or the song on the radio totally reminds you of the way they smile. [Read: 28 Signs someone has a secret crush on you and trying to hide it]

Everything has some connection to them even when in reality, there’s no connection. You just want to have them on your mind all day and night. This is definitely one of the infatuation symptoms.

3. They’re all you want to talk about

Your friends and family have been patient. However, if they have to listen to another story about this person, they’re going to explode. 

If they’re all you can talk about, it’s safe to say you’re infatuated. Love isn’t an obsession, lust is.

4. You’re defensive if someone knew them before you

If you know someone that knew your new flame before you did, you’re highly defensive. Maybe this person tells you that your flame is known to be a cheater or liar, but you have their back 100%.

Infatuation is blinding, so, whatever anyone tells you, don’t just disregard it as false information. Keep it in the back of your head. [Read: How to keep from moving too fast in a new relationship]

5. Your friends and family don’t see it

Another one of the infatuation symptoms is that no one can understand why you’re with this person. 

You’ve probably been in this situation before. In fact, you might have been completely infatuated with someone previously as well. Now, you might get why your friends and family were confused because you were not a match. But at the time, that person you liked was your life. 

Remember, your friends and family know you very well, and they can see a true connection a mile away. [Read: Help! My friends don’t like my boyfriend!]

6. You change what you want to match them

You used to want to have kids and a beach house, but, they don’t want children and prefer apartment living.

Well, suddenly, you don’t mind not having kids and you could do apartment living, why not? Nooo! This is not what it’s about, people. If you’re willing to scrap all your dreams for this person, it’s not love. [Read: How to change for someone without compromising or losing yourself]

7. You just met

You’re trying not to tell them you love them even though you just met them ten minutes ago. 

Listen, you don’t love them, at least not now. In reality, you just want to have sex with them. So, have sex with them, spend time together, and wait a bit to see how you feel then. [Read: What is lust really? The typical signs and the best ways to turn it into love]

8. You’re willing to change core values

All of a sudden, your core beliefs are going out the window for this person. Maybe you’re a vegetarian and they’re not. 

Well, now, you’re buying a giant steak for dinner. If this was love, you wouldn’t feel like you should change. [Read: Too good to be true? How to tell if you’re dating a phony]

9. You put them on a pedestal

They’re literally the smartest, best-looking, funniest person you’ve ever met. This is one of the biggest infatuation symptoms. 

You feel that in some ways you’re less than them, that you don’t know what they’re doing with someone like you because they’re so much better. But that isn’t how it’s supposed to be. If it’s mutual, they see you both as equals and you should do the same.

10. This is the best thing that’s ever happened to you

Better than when you graduated from college or landed your first promotion, it’s the best thing since chocolate. Listen, it’s not the best thing that’ll ever happen to you. [Read: 20 Personality traits that make the ideal perfect guy]

Loving someone isn’t supposed to be the highlight of your life. Though it feels amazing, the journey through life is what matters. 

11. It feels as though you know everything about them

It’s like you’ve known each other for years, there’s nothing you don’t know about them. But in reality, you have no idea who they are. 

Can you actually be sure that’s even their name? Exactly. Love is when you start to see who they are, and you accept both the good and bad. [Read: How to get to know your crush ASAP before you fall too hard for them]

12. You’re already jumping into the next step

You want babies, you want a ring on your finger, but you still haven’t met their parents or figured out how to pronounce their last name. 

Yeah, you’re thinking eight steps ahead and not living in the moment. If it’s love, these moments come naturally, so just chill. 

13. The jealousy is strong

You see them talking to an old friend from school and you can’t handle it. They’re laughing and smiling while you feel the heat of rage building up in your body. [Read: How to deal with jealousy in a relationship and learn to overcome it]

They like someone’s post on their Instagram feed, and you want to spend all afternoon trying to snoop on this person who may steal the “love of your life!”

Remember, love isn’t jealousy. You’re infatuated, so you see them as your property. Jealousy is definitely one of the infatuation symptoms.

14. You’re terrified they’ll leave you

You think they’ll cheat on you or leave you for someone else. It’s this sudden paranoia that starts to develop inside your head. 

Now, if you had trust issues in the past, this fear is completely understandable. But, listen, if this is love, you shouldn’t be worrying. Love is confidence. [Read: Do people always leave you? 20 ways you sabotage all your relationships in no time]

15. You feel like the luckiest person in the world

Winning the lottery? You don’t care! That’s not the luckiest thing that can happen to a person because you are convinced it’s meeting the object of your affection. 

This person is the one who makes your world perfect. All the money in the world means nothing compared to how you feel for them. [Read: What is true love? 22 signs of real love to know if your love is real]

16. You ignore their flaws

You know the saying, “I see the world through rose-colored glasses?” You’ve probably heard it, but you might not have really thought about what it truly means. 

What it means is that you don’t see reality for what it really is. You only focus on the good stuff and ignore the bad. So, if you are ignoring red flags in this person, then that is definitely one of the infatuation symptoms.

17. You feel like you’re high on drugs

You have probably heard the terms “high on love” or “walking on cloud 9,” but you might not have really thought about where they came from. That’s what it feels like when you are infatuated – like you are on happy drugs. 

In essence, you are. Your brain is producing a lot of “happy” chemicals that make you feel that way. [Read: What does sexual attraction feel like – 15 red hot signs to recognize it]

18. You ignore your friends more

When you are infatuated, and even obsessed with a person, you might tend to not pay as much attention to other people. 

Your friends might ask you to hang out, but you don’t want to because you are hoping to hang out with your crush. Watch out for this, however, because you don’t want to push other people away just because you’re infatuated.

19. You’re not acting like yourself

Maybe you are usually a very logical, rational person. You give other people great advice, and your life is together. 

But if you suddenly become emotional and irrational just because of another person, then that is a symptom of infatuation. But you don’t want to lose yourself in them. It’s not worth it, so be aware of this and keep yourself in check. [Read: Love vs. attachment – is there a vital difference between the two?]

20. You have constant sexual thoughts

Because you are crushing on this person, you will probably have constant sexual thoughts about them. You might fantasize about having sex with them in all kinds of scenarios.

You will constantly daydream about what it’s like to make love to them. [Read: How to know if someone is thinking of you sexually and desires you]

21. You lost interest suddenly

Oh, and look at that, you no longer find their laugh sexy or charming when food falls onto their shirt. 

If this was love, you’d be into all those quirky parts about them until you’re old and grey. But infatuation is a funny thing, it can leave as quickly as it comes. [Read: How long does a crush last? The steps to get over someone ASAP]

22. Thinking goes haywire

Where you could once pride yourself on being rational, infatuation has now taken hold of your brain and is making you think the silliest, most illogical thoughts. It seems like your mind has a new way of tying every thought you have to the object of your affection. 

Do you hear a song on the radio? It’s like it was written for the two of you. Almost everything reminds you of them, from the topic on the news that day to the shirt that your colleague is wearing. [Read: 10 awesome songs to dedicate to someone special]

23. Perma-smiling

Each time you think of this person, you have this one weird, silly smile on your face that just doesn’t seem to go away. A word from them, a memory, or even a remote reminder will evoke a kind of smile that only they can give you, even without their knowledge. 

This smile is plastered on your face the whole day, and everyone can tell you’ve been daydreaming about “that guy” or “that girl” again. [Read: 40 unbelievably cute things you can say to your crush]

24. Heightened emotions

Being infatuated leaves you feeling giddy one moment, and down in the dumps the next. This is because you feel like you’re on a roller-coaster, where your emotions, as sensitive as they are at this moment, are going to the extremes. 

When you see your guy or girl, you feel like you’re up on cloud nine. But when you’re missing them, things don’t feel quite right in your life, and everything else is affected.

25. Non-stop talking

Since everything reminds you of this person, naturally, you can’t stop talking about them. A friend asks you how you are, and you answer, “I’m fine… I’m great, actually! Marc just texted me ‘Good morning!’ today. Yay!” 

If your friends are understanding, they will let you gush over your crush non-stop and may even join in as you rave *because they probably know that this stage likely won’t last long and you’ll be over them in no time*. [Read: How to get over a crush and have fun doing it]

26. Number-one follower

In this age of social media, it’s so easy to stalk your object of infatuation. You follow them on all their social media accounts, “like” all their posts, and even drop in some eager comments every now and then *just so they won’t notice how much you’re into them*. 

Not only that, but you’ll also spend hours each day just going over all of their posts and photos again and again. [Read: Whoa there! 8 signs you’re coming on too strong]

27. Double espresso of pleasure

When you see your crush, it’s like you’ve been hit with two shots of espresso—only it’s actually bliss. It’s like Cupid hit you with two arrows packed with some feel-good drug because you can’t help but feel all giddy and elated.

Even when you simply see them from afar, you’re swooning like you’re going to have a heart attack. And when they approach you, even just to say hello, the hit is so strong that you almost feel as if you’ve died and gone to heaven.

28. Their hands, their eyes, their everything

To you, your crush’s eyes are suddenly the brightest, warmest, most beautiful sight. You can’t get enough of how their hands look and feel, and, in fact, even a whiff of his cologne or her perfume from miles away can make your heart do somersaults. 

It’s like everything about this person is perfect *even their crooked teeth* and no one else can come close. [Read: How to get your crush to notice you and like you back]

29. Drop everything

When you’re infatuated, you’re willing to drop everything at the beck and call of your crush or object of infatuation. Y

ou’re struggling to finish some work at home, but one phone call from them and you are suddenly out the door, not caring if your boss will fire you the next day because you put your work on hold.

30. You’re living in a fantasy world

Have you ever caught yourself daydreaming about the object of your affection nearly everywhere you go?

Whether you’re running on the treadmill, sitting in class, or hard at work, you can’t help but constantly imagine that you’re somewhere else—in your crush’s arms.

Think of the middle school cliché of doodling your names together in hearts on all of your binders. Only now, you may actually have yourself convinced that the two of you are soulmates, when in fact, your crush might not even realize you’ve been feeling so intensely about them. [Read: What does it feel like? 33 signs you’ll feel when you’re in love]

31. Loss of appetite

One of the most common physical symptoms of infatuation is the loss of appetite. Because you are so excited, it makes you less hungry. 

You’re constantly thinking about the object of your affection, so you don’t think about food nearly as much as you would normally. [Read: How to talk to your crush – The secrets to make them fall for you in no time]

32. Loss of sleep

Also, you might not be able to sleep. You are thinking about that person all the time, even when you are going to bed. Your mind is racing, and so your mind and body are in “full alert” mode. It is stimulated, and so it makes it very difficult to sleep.

33. Nervous 24/7

You could also have feelings of nervousness around your crush. Your voice might shake, or even your whole body. Your heartbeat is faster, and your palms might even sweat.

34. Happy all the time

As we mentioned above, the chemicals in your brain will make you feel extra happy – much more so than usual. And that symptom of infatuation is definitely a good one! [Read: How to start a conversation with your crush – secrets to impress]

35. You’re rushing the relationship

When you are infatuated with someone, you want to rush as fast as you can. You want to have sex very early because you are so attracted to them. And you also want to spend as much time together as you can.

One or both people might desperately want to define the relationship very quickly as well. Instead of taking your time to explore compatibility, you just want to jump right in head first and think about the consequences later.

36. You’re clingy all the time

When you are infatuated with someone, it’s likely that one or both of you will become insecurely attached to them. In other words, you are clingy and don’t want to let them out of your sight. You’re always worried about what they’re doing when you’re not with them. [Read: 37 ways to stop being clingy and holding on so tight you push them away]

This feeling is derived from the fear that you will lose them. Not only do you not want to let go of that person, but you also don’t want to let go of the feeling of infatuation because it feels so good. 

37. You want to be the center of their attention

When you have intense feelings for someone, you want to be the most important thing in the world to them. So, you have the tendency to get jealous if anything or anyone takes their attention away from you. 

38. You keep the relationship superficial

Infatuation doesn’t dig very deep in an emotional sense. It’s pretty superficial, especially in the beginning. [Read: Friends with benefits – 16 annoyances of long-term FWBs]

It’s mostly based on sexual attraction and some friendly banter. Sure, you like their personality, but you’re not getting to know them on a deep level.

39. The relationship is mostly just physical

Because infatuation is not love, the relationship you have with this person is mostly sexual. Sure, you might hang out and do things together. 

But you’re not really getting to know each other on an emotional level. It’s mostly about the lust that you feel between the two of you. [Read: Casual sex – How to prepare for it and have a hookup with no regrets]

40. There is over-possessiveness

As the saying goes, “Love is patient, love is kind…” and it’s not jealous and possessive. But infatuation does tend to be possessive, unlike true love. 

You don’t want anyone else talking to them or hanging out with them. You want them all for yourself and you get jealous easily.

41. They think you’re perfect

Not only do they think you’re perfect, but you think they are perfect too. Both of you probably have rose-tinted glasses on and you can’t even see any flaws you might have. [Read: 12 key moments in a relationship that predict your future together]

But everyone has flaws, and as time goes on, you will see them in the person you are infatuated with. However, that only happens after that feeling wears off.

42. Your actions become impulsive

When you have all those feel-good chemicals being released in your brain, it kind of shuts down the logical part of it. In other words, your emotions are trumping your rational thinking. 

And because of this, you can become very impulsive. For example, you might decide to have sex earlier than you should or do something else that isn’t the best for your well-being. [Read: How and why to get revenge on your ex – 20 healthy and effed up ways]

43. You badly crave being next to them

Just like you can get food or drug cravings, you can also get cravings for other people too. It almost feels like you’re going through a withdrawal when you can’t see them. 

The only time you feel good is when you are in their presence. It can sometimes be debilitating and affect your life in a negative way.

How to deal with infatuation

Being infatuated with someone can be exciting and exhilarating, but it can also be a problem. If you let it overwhelm you and affect your life in a negative way, then you need to know how to deal with infatuation. [Read: How to get over a crush ASAP and make yourself way more desirable]

1. Assess how well you know the person

You might have just met this person that you are infatuated with, and maybe you haven’t even met them at all! Perhaps you work at the same place, you noticed how hot they are, but you are just admiring them from afar.

Either way, you probably don’t know them very well at all. Because of this, your feeling is entirely superficial. Maybe once you get to know them better, you really won’t like them very much. Or you won’t be compatible.

2. List their flaws and ask yourself if you can accept them

You have put this person up on a pedestal, and you think that they can walk on water. Those rose-colored glasses are preventing you from seeing any red flags that you should see. [Read: How long does a crush last? The steps to get over someone ASAP]

So, force yourself to write down anything you see in them that could be a flaw. Maybe they are overly flirtatious with everyone, or seem to be a bit of an attention-seeker. There has to be something that isn’t “perfect” about them. So, make yourself discover them.

3. Distract yourself

Because infatuation is such an overwhelming and all-encompassing feeling, you should try to do something else to get your mind off your crush. 

Spend time with friends and family, see a movie, read a book or engage in a hobby. When you can get your mind off this person, you will feel a bit calmer and not freak out as much. [Read: 50 crazy and impulsive things to do with friends you won’t ever forget]

4. Go to therapy if needed

If your infatuation is having a negative effect on your life and your other relationships, then you might need to seek some professional help. Usually, infatuation wears off as time goes on. 

But if you find that it’s not doing that for you, then you might need to have a trained therapist help guide you out of your overwhelming feelings.

Can infatuation turn into obsession?

If a person loves themselves and is a secure person, then infatuation probably won’t turn into an obsession. They have the ability to put things into perspective and not let their feelings get out of control. For them, infatuation is just fun and makes them feel good. [Read: Signs of obsession – 14 signs of obsessive love you can’t ignore]

However, infatuation can definitely turn into an obsession. But not for everyone. It really just depends on your individual personality.

If you are an anxious person with low self-esteem, then it might turn into an obsession. Also, if the person you’re infatuated with doesn’t feel the same way, then you might try everything you can to get them to like you in an unhealthy way.

Infatuation vs. obsession

The definition of infatuation is an immensely strong feeling of love or sexual attraction. It’s also passionate admiration for another individual.

Usually, infatuation is fun and makes people feel happy. It is a relatively healthy and normal emotion to have. [Read: 17 swoon-worthy signs you’re in love with him and totally obsessed]

Obsession, on the other hand, is a compulsive or irrational preoccupation with someone. It’s a very unhealthy fixation.

When someone has excessive thoughts or feelings, then they dominate their mind and it’s all they can think about. Obsession can lead to some dangerous and unhealthy behaviors.

Does infatuation turn into love? 

Sometimes infatuation can turn into love. For example, if two people just started dating, they might be very infatuated with each other. They don’t see each other’s flaws, and they are walking on Cloud 9 [Read: Infatuation vs. love – 14 more ways you can tell the difference]

But as we all know, that honeymoon stage that involves infatuation comes to an end. And at that point, people either fall in love with each other, or break up. So yes, infatuation can definitely turn into a deeper feeling of love.

However, it doesn’t always. You can be infatuated with someone, but then the more you get to know them, you decide that you don’t like them as much as you thought you did. 

Also, if infatuation is one-sided and unrequited, then it won’t turn into love. All that will happen is that you will be frustrated with your immense feelings that aren’t returned. [Read: Requited love – 17 ways to turn unrequited love into reciprocation]

How long do these infatuation symptoms last in a relationship?

While you might think that what you are feeling is love, you could just be in a relationship that is based purely on infatuation. In the world today, everything moves fast. We all love immediate gratification, whether it’s on social media or in real life. And infatuation is no different.

Sadly, many relationships are short-lived because they are based on feelings that may not be real. They may feel real, but they might not be. And by “real,” we mean long-lasting, true, and deep. Infatuation fades away eventually, but real love doesn’t.

The duration of infatuation varies quite a bit from person to person. It could be as short as a few days to several years. If the feelings aren’t reciprocal, then they tend to last longer. [Read: Honeymoon phase – how to calculate how long it will last for both of you]

But there is an average for how long infatuation lasts. The general consensus is that it can last from a month to about three years. The reason it fades away is that we eventually get to know the person better and their flaws reveal themselves.

When the “real” person emerges, then the infatuation tends to fade. That is because the infatuation was based on some false information about the person. Or at least unknown information about them. And once we realize this, our feelings can change. [Read: 20 lovesick signs and the fastest & best ways to get out of it]

Final thoughts

When it comes to recognizing the symptoms of infatuation, don’t blindly accept your feelings for a person. When we are infatuated, we are not thinking clearly. 

Emotion trumps logic, and that gives us a warped perspective on reality. Also, be aware that this feeling will wear off in time! [Read: How to keep a guy interested through texts and leave him obsessed]

Infatuation can set you up for a lot of disappointment and heartbreak, especially when you mistake it for love. Being infatuated can feel a lot like being in love. However, the best way to distinguish love from infatuation is to keep in mind that infatuation is driven more by feelings. And feelings are fickle.

You can’t rely on them and put yourself out on the line. You can’t use them to determine if a person is right for you, or if a relationship can be sustained in the long run.

[Read: The 12 signs of relationship compatibility to test your love match]

So, now that you know the signs of infatuation, try to see where you are on the spectrum. While there are many times that infatuation can flourish into real love, sometimes it doesn’t. Now you can make sense of your feelings before acting on any emotions that may be mere infatuation.