Question:

Answer:

In my opinion, much of what people call "love" is just "infatuation". Infatuation has a lot to do with physical attraction and the "warm fuzzies" of a person's thought life (like "Oh, I'm SO in love..." with that person I just met.). While a lot of the feelings of infatuation are the same as they are in real love, love is MORE than a feeling. Here are some major differences...

• Real love involves commitment to the other person... infatuation doesn't.
• Real love is more about how I can show I care for the other person... infatuation is more about how the other person makes ME feel.
• Real love is based on really knowing the other person... infatuation focuses on the physical qualities and impressions about the other person.
• Real love lasts through disagreements and trials... disagreements and trials often "burst the bubble" of infatuation.
• Real love stands the test of time... infatuation doesn't last.

Having said all of this, I want you to be aware that infatuation is normal. It is often the "introduction" to real love - the first stage of a romantic relationship. For instance, a guy is attracted to a girl (or vice versa)... they meet... they like each other (infatuation!)... they begin to develop a relationship. The relationship either blossoms (into love), stagnates (remains infatuation for awhile), or dies (the bubble bursts!).

A great Biblical tool to help determine love from infatuation is found in 1 Corinthians 13. In this chapter, Paul writes about the characteristics of real love. I suggest that you take a look!