Lust: a four-letter word that has received more than its fair share of stigma, shame, and musings of sin. But how is it any different than the feeling of love? Does it mean there’s a disconnect between the body and the heart?
Keep reading to learn all about lust vs love and how to tell the difference.
Lust vs Love: What’s the Difference?
Lust is an emotion that seeks instant gratification, indulgence, satisfaction, and impulse. It is not a slow-burning feeling; it hits intensely and holds on. Lust is all about gaining sexual desire and fantasy.
Love, on the other hand, plants its roots deeper and takes much longer to grow. It is built up over a while between two (or more) people as you connect on different levels emotionally, romantically, socially, and sexually. It lights up your brain’s pleasure center over and over again.
The two live within (almost) everyone and have the power to build or destroy relationships. Lust is typically what comes before love; it’s often called the “gatekeeper.” Lust is what ignites the initial sparks of a relationship with someone, and love is what keeps it going.
Can Lust Become Love?
Could the intense, raging feelings of lust die down to become feelings of love? Yes, it is the primary driver for almost all relationships. Those emotions could also lead to a whole mix of other sensations, so remember to stay grounded.
Lust can turn into something called infatuation.
Infatuation
Infatuation is what makes you feel head-over-heels for someone you’ve just met (or seen). It is that funny feeling in your chest when you meet someone new that you click. It causes you to think silly things and perhaps pull off grand gestures… only to feel it fade soon after.
Infatuation can be impulsive and even obsessive. Your brain gets bombarded with feel-good chemicals, and you may feel a lot of ups and downs. It can get you into trouble if you’re not careful.
Long term infatuation is known as limerence. Limerence is characterized by obsessive thoughts about a person and the intense need to be with them. A touch of infatuation, as superficial as it may be, isn’t a bad thing; limerence isn’t very healthy.
Compatibility
The term compatibility typically follows the word “romantic,” although not all compatibility is romantic or leads to love. It simply means that you and any other person work nicely together. You may feel in-touch with one another, but the feeling won’t be as strong as love.
Sexual Connection
Sexual connection is where lust and love intertwine. The gap between the feeling in your head and your heart is connected. When you feel sexually connected with another person, you will feel gratification that goes beyond sex altogether.
Are You in Love?
Or are you in lust? Did this help you figure out the difference between lust vs love? No matter what you’re looking for, if it’s to feel loved and fulfil lustful desires, we have what you want and what you need.
Come to 181 Guildford West in Sydney’s West or call us to see what we have to offer.
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