"Too much love" isn't a single term, but concepts like Limerence (intense, obsessive infatuation), Obsessive Love Disorder (a potential fixation causing distress, though not a formal diagnosis), and Love Bombing (overwhelming affection used for control) describe unhealthy extremes; it's often seen as an unhealthy fixation, insecurity, or controlling tactic, rather than genuine, balanced affection, with signs like idealization, possessiveness, or rapid, intense declarations.
According to Tennov and others, limerence can be considered intense romantic love, falling in love, love madness, intense infatuation, passionate love with obsessive elements or lovesickness. Limerence and obsessive love are similar, but obsessive love has connotations of possessive and self-defeating behavior.
Obsessive love is characterized by obsessive or compulsive attempts to possess or control an individual, especially triggered (or even intensified) by rejection. Obsessive love can also be distinguished from other forms of romantic love by its one-sidedness and repulsed approaches.
The four stages of limerence describe the obsessive, fantasy-driven experience of intense romantic longing, typically progressing from initial Attraction/Infatuation, where curiosity grows into idealization, to Obsession, marked by intrusive thoughts and longing, then through Elation & Despair, depending on perceived reciprocation, and finally to a Resolution, where feelings fade into stable attachment or detachment, potentially leading to transformation or heartbreak.
Emophilia means the tendency to fall in love quickly, easily, and frequently, often described as "emotional promiscuity," where individuals rapidly develop intense romantic feelings, say "I love you" early, and jump into relationships, sometimes overlooking red flags for the exhilarating experience of new love. It's a personality trait linked to chasing excitement and romantic stimulation, differing from attachment anxiety (fear-based) by being a reward-seeking approach. High emophilia can lead to risky behaviors, unhealthy attachments, and difficulty forming stable relationships, according to Psychology Today.
The 7-7-7 rule for couples is a guideline for maintaining strong connection by scheduling dedicated time: a date night every 7 days, a weekend getaway (or night away) every 7 weeks, and a longer, kid-free vacation every 7 months, all designed to fight drift and routine by ensuring consistent, intentional quality time, though flexibility is key.
Pragma love may be defined as a love founded on reason and logic, often focused on longer-term interests. It is much less related to sexual or romantic attraction, and more focused on the objective qualities of the partner and how compatible they are for a long, happy life together.
But it does provide some rough guidelines as to how soon may be too soon to make long-term commitments and how long may be too long to stick with a relationship. Each of the three numbers—three, six, and nine—stands for the month that a different common stage of a relationship tends to end.
No, limerence isn't an official mental illness in diagnostic manuals like the DSM, but it's a recognized psychological phenomenon of intense, involuntary obsession and infatuation that can significantly disrupt life, often overlapping with or stemming from other conditions like OCD, anxiety, or attachment issues, and can cause significant distress. It's seen as a state of being in love that's often painful and compulsive, not a disorder itself, though it can mimic addiction or obsessive-compulsive traits.
5: Our Own Needs, Emotions and Desires.
The highest level of intimacy, requires the greatest amount of trust in our relationship. It is only when we feel truly safe with somebody, that we become willing to share the deepest core of who we are. It's up close and personal.
In terms of physiology, the answer may also involve the production of too much or hypersensitivity to oxytocin. Oxytocin, commonly called the love hormone, is associated with bonding, trust, and caregiving behavior.
Limerence is an involuntary state of intense obsession, fixation and attachment to another person — also known as a “limerent object” (LO). These intense feelings, which are not returned, often stem from unresolved relationships or unrequited love.
Erotomania is a form of delusional disorder in which an individual believes that another person, usually of higher status, is in love with him. It is a relatively rare condition, and while the incidence is unknown, the lifetime prevalence of delusional disorder is 0.2% [1].
The 2-2-2 relationship rule is a guideline for couples to keep their bond strong and fresh by scheduling regular, dedicated time together: a date night every two weeks, a weekend getaway every two months, and a week-long vacation every two years, which helps prioritize connection, break routine, and create lasting memories. It's a framework to ensure consistent quality time, even with busy schedules, to prevent boredom and strengthen partnership.
In some cases, Limerence can last for decades. Albert Wakin even encountered one patient who's suffered it for nearly 60 years.
Red flags in a guy include controlling behaviors, disrespect (for you, your time, boundaries), lack of empathy or accountability, poor communication (like the silent treatment), excessive jealousy, dishonesty/manipulation (gaslighting), and any form of abuse or disrespect toward service staff, often patterns like love bombing, substance issues, or making all exes "crazy". These signs signal potential toxicity, immaturity, or a lack of respect and emotional stability, making healthy partnership difficult.
In the resolution stage of limerence, common behaviors include accepting reality, acknowledging the limerence was one-sided or unsustainable, and actively working to move on emotionally. This stage involves letting go of the intense feelings and seeking closure for personal growth.
The first love is lust and is founded primarily on sexual attraction, and the second love is intimacy and is founded on compatibility (as well as sexual attraction). The third love is commitment, and it involves lust and intimacy as well as the decision to commit to one another through life's ups and downs.
What Is the Unhealthiest Attachment Style? Anxious attachment styles, disorganized attachment styles, and avoidant attachment styles are considered insecure/unhealthy forms of attachment.
survived the dreaded two-year mark (i.e. the most common time period when couples break up), then you're destined to be together forever… right? Unfortunately, the two-year mark isn't the only relationship test to pass, nor do you get to relax before the seven-year itch.
The 777 dating rule is a relationship strategy for intentional connection, suggesting couples schedule a date every 7 days, an overnight getaway every 7 weeks, and a longer vacation every 7 months to keep the spark alive, build memories, and prevent disconnection from daily life. It's about consistent, quality time, not necessarily grand gestures, and focuses on undivided attention to strengthen intimacy and partnership over time.
📖 According to relationship psychologists, just 10 minutes of fully present, uninterrupted conversation a day can significantly improve emotional intimacy between partners, friends — even colleagues. It's called the 10-Minute Talk Rule.
Playful: Ludus love is playful, lighthearted, and carefree. It involves teasing, joking, flirting, and bantering. It often feels like a game to be played. Fun: Ludus love is about having fun and enjoying the present moment. Casual: Ludus love tends to be more casual than some of the other types of love.
Pink color represents unconditional love, love requiring nothing in return, while yellow boosts it with energy and happiness.
Platonic love can be described as the simplest and purest form of love, connection, or affection, characterized by its lack of sexual attraction or sexual intimacy.