Lust, Infatuation, Love.?

[mcraig]

Do you think that there is a particular age at which you can trust yourself to know the difference between lust, an infatuation or love?
And if so, how do you go about deciding what is an infatuation, and what is love (even if it is unrequited)?

[daniela31]

Lust is wanting to be with someone because they excite you sexually.
Infatuation is very similar, but usually, you cannot have that person for some reason, like they are in a relationship with someone else, or someone famous that you have no chance of meeting, or someone unavailable for a number of reasons. This happens to adults as well as teenagers, My Mother had 'an infatuation' with Sean Connery right up into her 70's.....lol.

[mcraig]

haha - good for your mother.

but still, if a person excited you sexually, but then you also really like the person for them, and don't care about their flaws... then what would that be classed as?

not personally in this situation, just wondering what everybody else's views are.

[daniela31]

That could be the begining of Love. But love has many levels. You will hear people who have been together for a long time say that love has deepened or got stronger. New love can be a little like infatuation, so it's very difficult for an outsider to say really.

[smitch]

I think that lust and infatuation are governed by the 'Child' part of the personality that we all have to a greater or lesser degree. This Child part wants, and it wants NOW! It's all about immediate gratification.
Love is governed more by the 'Adult' part of us, and is less concerned with the Self, and more concerned with the other person in the relationship. Lust is about satisfying yourself, Love is about choosing to please the other person. Love is also not just a feeling you have, it's a decision you make.

[legrande758]

Lust is surely an animal instinct and absolutely nothing to do with child or adult.

What nonsense.


D T H ?�?�

[beso]

You can generally be sure of the difference by the age of 150.