Lust, infatuation, and love are all different emotional states that can arise in romantic relationships. Lust is primarily physical attraction based on bodily sensations and desires for sexual gratification. Infatuation is an intense but temporary state characterized by strong feelings of affection towards someone new without knowing them well, often accompanied by idealization and fantasy. Love involves deep commitment, care, trust, appreciation, and mutual respect.
The brain regions involved in these processes differ. During lust, dopamine levels rise in response to stimulation from the sight or thought of someone attractive. This motivates pursuit of sexual pleasure and excitement. In infatuation, norepinephrine increases to create a rush of adrenaline and focuses attention on the person. High levels of oxytocin may be present during both states.
Love involves increased blood flow to the ventral striatum, which reinforces pair bonding through rewards for social closeness and intimacy. The insula and cerebellum also become active when partners share experiences together, supporting empathy and attachment.
Research suggests that lust tends to decline over time while love increases with time spent together. Infatuation can persist longer than lust but often fades within six months due to reality setting in or unmet expectations. Some people have an affair after experiencing both lust and infatuation before settling into more sustainable long-term relationships.
Psychologically, lust involves low investment and high risk, whereas infatuation may lead to disappointment as reality sets in and the relationship develops. Love involves higher emotional investment, lower perceived threat, and less fear of abandonment. It is associated with better outcomes like increased life satisfaction and decreased stress.
Lust and infatuation are superficial compared to deep feelings of affection based on trust and understanding in love. They involve physical attraction, novelty, idealization, and fantasy. Love requires commitment, care, appreciation, and respect beyond initial attractions.
What are the psychological differences between lust, infatuation, and love?
Lust is a powerful sexual desire that often involves physical attraction towards another person. It can be described as a strong urge for sexually gratifying activity. Infatuation refers to an intense initial phase of romantic attachment which is characterized by overwhelming feelings of affection and admiration for someone. Love is a more complex emotion that encompasses both physical and emotional connection with a partner.