Being in love is about giving and sharing, while obsession is about taking and controlling.
Being in love or feeling love is a pure, selfless emotion that comes from the heart. On the contrary, being obsessed is a selfish, possessive feeling that comes from the mind.
How to tell the difference between love and obsession?
- Respect: In love, there is a deep respect for the other’s individuality. In obsession, there is often an attempt to change or control the other person.
- Trust: In a loving relationship, there is mutual trust and respect for each other’s privacy. Obsession is fueled by mistrust and jealousy.
- Happiness: Love makes you feel happy and complete, even when you are separated from your partner. Obsession, on the other hand, can lead to anxiety and a constant feeling of emptiness if you are not with that person.
- Independence: Love allows both people to maintain their own lives and interests. Obsession, on the other hand, seeks to merge the lives of both, limiting the independence of the other.
- Communication: In a loving relationship, communication is open and honest. In obsession, difficult conversations are often avoided and the other person is manipulated.
Love is not charity, it is giving the other what he or she lacks, not what one has too much of. So, when this happens between two people, acts of love are being given and received.
When one loves and is loved, one feels stronger in life.
Obsessive love can be a sign of a serious mental health problem and, without treatment, can be destructive to friendships and relationships. It can also cause other serious mental health problems for the people involved and can lead to legal difficulties or violence.
Signs of an obsessed person:
- Obsession in love is something that develops involuntarily. That is why it is beyond the person’s control.
- Need for constant contact. For this reason, it is one of the most obvious signs of an obsessive relationship.
- Constantly texting and calling your partner. Also checking up on them frequently even at their workplace, school or when they are with other people.
- Extreme desire for the well-being of that person.
- Concern about acting according to that person’s tastes.
- Shyness and difficulties developing ideas in the presence of the loved one.
- Fear of not being reciprocated.
- The person feels dominated by the fear of not being able to be without their partner.
- People with obsessions feel that they cannot live without that person by their side.
- Obsession is a disturbing state of mind.
- Aggressive thoughts towards others or towards oneself.
- Unwanted, forbidden or taboo thoughts related to sex, religion or some harm.
- Desire to have things in a symmetrical or perfect order.
- He distrusts you, is jealous and is very controlling.
- The reason for the relationship you seek with someone is largely low self-esteem.
- They are insistent with their thoughts, constantly returning to the same subject.
- They are sensitive, although they do not show their emotions.
- He makes you feel guilty when he treats you selfishly.
- He acts without taking into account your needs and opinions.
- He demands constant attention from you, but does not offer you care or support.
- He makes hurtful comments.
- He acts aggressively when he runs out of arguments.
Characteristics of a person in love:
- Love is a voluntary movement by which we always long for the best for the other.
- Part of falling in love is thinking a lot about that person.
- When we love another person we want to spend time with them.
- He asks you how your day was.
- The lover trusts you.
- He helps you when you need it.
- The lover respects your opinions.
- He includes you in his decisions.
- He shows his affection physically.
- He thinks you are perfect.
- He remembers you with small details.
- He thinks about you a lot.
- He makes plans with you.
- He doesn’t know how to say it.
- He seeks physical contact.
- He shows the best of himself.
- He always finds time to be with you.
- You are one of his priorities.
- He calls or writes you every day.
- He is interested in knowing more about you.
- He wants you to be successful and independent.
- In love, the other person is seen as something that complements us.
- He asks you about your interests.
- He introduces you to his friends.
- He introduces you to his family.
It is important to remember that love is a beautiful feeling that enriches our lives. On the other hand, obsession can cause mental health problems. It can also be harmful to both you and the other person.
