Linda N. Edelstein, Ph.D.

What Is the Difference Between Obsession and Love?

by | Oct 3, 2012 | Trauma/Crisis | 2 comments

The difference between obsession and love is that:

  1. Love is mutual, caring and giving.
  2. Love usually feels exciting, healthy and wonderful.
  3. Obsession is an inability to function without intrusive thoughts about the other person.
  4. Obsession often feels terrible

    and keeps you anxious.

To read a psychological mystery about obsession, check out Object of Obsession

2 Comments

  1. Lovy Jones

    But has love have to be ‘mutual’? If a person falls in love with another but that love is unrequited is it then obsession? Even though the thoughts about the loved one are not intrusive?

    Reply
  2. Linda Edelstein

    Thanks for reading and commenting, Lovy. I agree; love is not always mutual; sometimes it is unrequited. Perhaps I ought to have titled the post, “What’s the difference between obsession and satisfying love?”

    Reply

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