Infatuation and Its Impact

It is, indeed, very interesting and intriguing to understand, evaluate and analyse infatuation and its impact. It is also a matter of great concern to observe the circumstances in which it is affecting the people, especially the very young children. The factors which stimulate these bliss feelings among children can be very insignificant for those who are influencing the children. However, these same factors can be profoundly influencing the children. Thus the net result is the disturbed mind of the recipient. The observer will notice these telltale effects but ignores it on the pretext of being his or her innocence and immaturity. It gets little serious when the victim exposes unequivocally his feelings and adopts ways and means to achieve the desired results. At this stage, it is, now, obligatory for probe about infatuation and its impact.

Dana Peach, the authoritative matchmaker has enumerated different phases of infatuation:

A. Phase 1: Stricken (A magic moment)

B. Intrusive thinking (A passionate desire)

C. Idealisation (The erotic sizzle)

D. Emotional – Roller coaster (Emotional dynamics)

The meaning and definition of infatuation reveal that it is a foolish and usually extravagant passion or love or admiration. Although it fits appropriately when it relates to very young children, yet it differs when adolescents are involved. The very young gets influenced by the charm of the individual in terms of his or her personality, attitude, conduct and character. On the other hand, the adolescent gets vicariously attached to the person concerned in a lust oriented manner. This particular situation requires more attention and careful handling of the situation rather than adopting stern measures. Here, the role of perception plays an important part with regard execution of his or her action. The result of reflection of initial input, followed by perception of thought is paving the way to infatuation. The effects of infatuation are generally inconclusive, yet it has its own charm.

Analysing the factors influencing infatuation will go a long way in managing the affected people. Scientifically speaking an amphetamine like chemical called phenylethylamine (PEA) is activated, when an individual begins to feel attracted to someone. Diane Ackerman, author of ‘The Nature of Love and A Natural History of the Senses’, describes PEA as a “molecule that speeds up the flow of information between nerve cells”. Substantiating the PEA phenomena, The New York State Psychiatric Institute claims to have discovered that PEA has a tendency to pave the way for that peculiar contemporary disorder, ‘The Relationship Addiction’.

Infatuation, by itself, will not accomplish the inner burning desire. It is a momentarily input stimulating the urge to acquire and fulfil one’s desires. The limit of its expansion is again subjective. It is depending on the interaction, involvement and prevailing circumstances influencing the individual. It eventually leads to short term frustration and depression. However, it remained as a bliss feeling for many years.