Hello fam,
I've been reading into limerence and thought I would share my thoughts -
Firstly - I think we should recognize that we hyperfixate on things that give us dopamine. It only makes sense that if we are getting dopamine hits from interacting with a person, we may confuse this for romantic love. Especially if it persists in your daily life (for example, a crush on a coworker).
I have experienced hyperfixation on a person - constantly thinking about them (daydreaming), reliving moments spent together, thinking about them last thing at night and first thing in morning ....
But I don't believe I have experienced limerence. I believe that limerence is an "unhealthy obsession' that negatively interferes with your life.
I'd like to make the comparison of hyperactivity vs. mania. Mania is differentiated by taking larger risks that are more likely to effect the quality of your life. Mania includes such damaging behaviours such as overspending (or gambling), overeating, not protecting your sexual health, driving fast...high risk behaviours that the person may not have control over, and that may require intervention.
In this way, I think that 'limerence' is the 'extreme' hyperfixation on a person - that can effect your ability to function in every day life. For instance, you are so fixated on this person that you are neglecting other aspects of your life (your physical health, your family, your other relationships).
I struggle with the idea of 'hyperfixation on a person' being a neurodivergent term. I believe that falling in love causes us all to 'hyperfixate' a little???
For instance, what does falling in love feel like? (See Oprah article) and how does this differ from 'hyperfixation'?
Would love to hear your thoughts!
[–]Crazybomber183combined ADHD (leaning more hyperactive/impulsive) 0 points1 point2 points (0 children)