Understanding Limerence and Emotional Attachment

Limerence refers to an intense and obsessive infatuation directed toward someone who is inaccessible or unattainable. This phenomenon is particularly common among individuals who experienced emotional neglect during their childhood, leading them to develop unhealthy attachments. Those afflicted with limerence often find themselves fixated on idealized fantasies about the person, which can block real connections and negatively impact their relationships with people who genuinely care for them. This unhealthy attachment can result in an addiction-like state where thoughts of the limerent object consume substantial mental energy and emotional resources.