Is it Love? Or is it Infatuation?

Have you met someone you really like? Maybe every text message makes you smile. Maybe you can’t wait until the next time you see them. Does the sound of their name give you butterflies? Do you feel like a magnet drawn to this person? Maybe you’re wondering if you’re falling in love.

Is it love? Or is it infatuation? Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference – especially when you’re feeling all the feels. But it is possible to determine if it’s real love or merely infatuation.

Here are five key differences between love and infatuation.

1 - Infatuation happens quickly. Love takes time. That love at first sight feeling is really infatuation. You experience strong feelings of attraction right away – an intense desire to be around the person. Infatuation is an overwhelming feeling of desire and fascination before you really know the person well. On the other hand, love develops gradually. True love takes time. As you slowly open up to each other and discover, layer by layer, who this person really is, you begin to love them.

The thing is – sometimes infatuation is a step towards love. You feel all those intense emotions of infatuation early on, then as you spend more time together and really get to know each other, you truly begin to love them. The key is to slow down and give real love time to grow.

2 - Infatuation is self-centered. Love is other-centered. Infatuation is about what you’re feeling, your emotions, making sure this person is also attracted to you. In infatuation, you may want to satisfy the other person, but it’s really only a means to making sure that person likes you. It’s like you HAVE to have this person, so you’ll do whatever it takes to get them. But it’s really about you satisfying your own desire.

Love, though, is about wanting genuine happiness for the other person. When you really love someone, you want their happiness above your own. Your focus is on meeting the needs of your person.

3 - Infatuation is anxious and irrational. Love is calming. Infatuation is butterflies in your stomach and prickly goosebumps on your skin. Sure, it’s exciting, but it also can make you feel insecure and jealous and a little bit crazy. Love is secure and calming. Love gives you comfort and feelings of steadiness and assurance. Don’t get me wrong – love can be exciting, and it should be; but real love makes you feel peaceful and sure.

4 - Infatuation is reckless. Love is considerate. Infatuation may make you take risks or compromise your moral standards. Infatuation is an urgent feeling and often involves physical affection or sexual intimacy very early on. Infatuation will make you do things you normally wouldn’t just to be with this person or satisfy this person or make this person like you. If your friends are telling you that you’re acting crazy or that you’ve changed, then it’s probably infatuation.

Love is more considerate. When you truly love someone, you are true to yourself and you respect your partner when they are true to themselves. You move more slowly and consider the consequences for every decision.

5 - Infatuation is short-lived. Love is long-lasting. Infatuation is a fire that catches quickly and burns brightly and is all-consuming, but then it burns up and out and leaves nothing. Infatuation captures all your attention for a brief time, but then it’s over. When you’re infatuated, you feel in love this week and out of love next week. As soon as those intense feelings die down, the relationship is over.

Love, however, is deep and stable. Your feelings aren’t blown by the wind. You feel a genuine connection and commitment to your person, and those feelings don’t evaporate quickly. Even if the relationship doesn’t work out, you have deep-seated concern and care for them. This person will be a part of who you are for the rest of your life.

It’s easy to get caught up in all the excitement and emotions of a new relationship. We’ve all been there. But it’s important to take a step back and decide if it’s real love or just infatuation. If you’re not sure, give us a call at either of our Center’s. We’d love to listen and encourage you.

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What to Do When Friends and Family Are Pressuring You into an Abortion Decision

April 2, 2025

What do you do when those closest to you start pushing you toward a decision that doesn’t feel right? Pressure from family or friends to choose abortion can leave you feeling stuck, unheard, and unsure of what to do next. How can you hold firm in your decision while dealing with well-meaning but overwhelming advice? Here’s what you can do to navigate this difficult situation with strength and resilience. Mental Health and Pressure Your decision should be your own—one that isn’t influenced by guilt or outside expectations. Studies show that women who feel pressured into abortion are more likely to experience guilt, anxiety, depression, and other negative mental health outcomes. Protecting your mental and emotional health starts with making a choice that aligns with what you truly want. Ways to Handle the Pressure Since you understand why this decision needs to be yours, here are some practical steps to help you handle outside pressure. Give Yourself Time You don’t have to decide right away. Take a moment, think through your feelings, and give yourself the gift to reflect without feeling rushed. You're less likely to regret a decision made on your terms. Learn About All Your Options Abortion isn’t your only choice. Parenting and adoption are also possibilities, each with its own forms of support and resources. Learning more about these options can help you make an informed decision you feel at peace with. Set Boundaries It can be tough to stand your ground when others have strong opinions about your decision. Clearly expressing your thoughts by setting boundaries can help you avoid unwanted pressure. Letting others know you need time and space to think can help shift the conversation away from their influence and back to what’s best for you. Advice from a Third Party Getting a different perspective on your situation can be helpful when seeking advice from someone outside your inner circle. This could be a professional counselor, an online support group, or a caring team member at Collage . You deserve people in your life who want to understand you without judgment. You Are Not Alone Even if those around you don’t fully understand, there are people who do. A supportive environment can make all the difference as you navigate this decision. Collage is here to walk with you during this time. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, pregnancy options information, and more at no cost so you can get informed and have the support you need to move forward with certainty. Schedule a confidential appointment today.

The Role of Support Systems When Considering Abortion

March 7, 2025

Discovering you’re pregnant when you weren’t expecting can feel like the ground has shifted beneath you. A flood of questions may rush in. What do I do? Who can I talk to? How will this change my life? In moments like these, having a strong support system can make all the difference. The people around you—family, friends, a partner, or trusted mentors—can provide clarity, encouragement, and resources to help you navigate your options. Why Support Systems Matter It’s easy to feel isolated during an unexpected pregnancy with high stress and emotions. However, decisions made in isolation can be overwhelming and may lead to regret. Having a support system allows you to process your emotions, ask questions, and consider your next steps with a clear mind. Those who care about you can offer reassurance and help you explore the emotional, physical, and practical aspects of your decision. Avoiding Pressure and Outside Influence Unfortunately, some women experience pressure from their partner, family members, or even friends to make a decision they aren’t comfortable with. A healthy support system respects your right to make an informed choice without coercion. If you’re feeling pressured, it’s essential to reach out to someone who will listen, not dictate. Support should come from those who uplift and empower you, not those who push you into a choice based on their preferences. Seeking Reliable Information It’s crucial to have access to accurate medical information about abortion, its risks, and its alternatives. A strong support system can help you connect with organizations (such as Collage ) that offer factual, judgment-free care. You can also seek help from professional counselors or a mentor, but ultimately, surrounding yourself with people who prioritize your well-being can bring insight and peace of mind to your decision-making process. We’re Here For You At Collage, we understand how important support is when considering your options. We offer free and confidential pregnancy services, including lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, abortion information, and more so you can make an informed choice. Even if you don’t feel you have a support system in your life, you have one with us. Reach out today to learn more about how we’re here for you.

Why Does an Ultrasound Matter if I’m Considering Abortion?

February 13, 2025

If you’re thinking about abortion, an ultrasound is a crucial step to gather essential information about your pregnancy. It provides key details that can help determine which options are available to you and ensures your health and safety as you make this important decision. At Collage , we offer free limited OB ultrasounds to give you the clarity and support you need, as well as more information on your pregnancy options. Ultrasounds During Pregnancy An ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your body. These images provide vital insights into your pregnancy, helping you make an informed decision. Here are three critical pieces of information an ultrasound can reveal: 1. The Location of Your Pregnancy An ultrasound can confirm if your pregnancy is located in the uterus. Sometimes, a pregnancy can implant outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that cannot result in a live birth and requires immediate medical attention to avoid a life-threatening situation. Even if you’re considering abortion, identifying an ectopic pregnancy through ultrasound is essential to protect your health. 2. How Far Along You Are (Gestational Age) Understanding how far along you are is critical for determining which abortion options you can access. For example, the abortion pill is FDA-approved only for pregnancies up to ten weeks gestation. If your pregnancy is further along, a surgical abortion would be the alternative option available, depending on the circumstances. Period-tracking apps can estimate gestational age, but they lack the accuracy of an ultrasound, which can precisely date your pregnancy. 3. Whether Your Pregnancy Is Progressing Not all pregnancies continue as expected—approximately 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. An ultrasound can detect if a miscarriage has occurred so you can follow up with the appropriate care plan. Protect Your Health As you can see, an ultrasound is an essential step in protecting your health and understanding your options. You deserve to make an informed and confident decision and the free limited OB ultrasounds Collage provides will help you to do just that. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Our care and support are designed to help you through this crucial time. Let us be a source of strength for you.