Psychology In Seattle Podcast Limerence Deep Dive (Chapter 7 - Somatic and Differentials)
Dec 8, 2025
Delve into the intriguing world of limerence as Dr. Kirk Honda explores its somatic symptoms and differentiates it from unrequited love, using Snape and Gatsby as examples. The discussion highlights the euphoric highs and despairing lows experienced during limerence, revealing everything from racing hearts to emotional pain. Kirk also critiques the medicalization of normal heartbreak and the misuse of clinical terms in everyday conversations, providing insights into the complexities of human emotions.
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Snape As Long-Term Unrequited Love
- Kirk Honda examines Severus Snape as a popular example and concludes Snape fits long-term unrequited love rather than limerence.
- He notes Snape lacks evidence of obsessive misinterpretation of reciprocation, a hallmark of limerence.
Limerence Is More Than Longing
- Long-term unrequited love is not the same as limerence; limerence includes an addictive cycle of euphoria and despair.
- Dr. Kirk Honda warns against conflating ordinary prolonged infatuation with the clinical pattern most experts now reserve for limerence.
Process Grief To Move On
- If stuck in prolonged grief or infatuation, seek emotional processing like therapy or social support to move forward.
- Honda suggests grieving properly and reaching out rather than remaining immobilized by the past.
