Limerent Reaction

‘Limerence’ is described as an involuntary cognitive and emotional state in which a person feels an intense romantic desire for another person, the ‘limerent object’ as described by Dr D.Tennov [Love and Limerence: The Experience of Being in Love. 1999.] There is a difference between love and limerence as love is described as involving concern for a loved ones’ welfare, while limerence does not have to. Most of us have experienced heartache at some stage; it is a form of grieving for the loss of love and the end of a romantic relationship. Usually in time we heal emotionally and are able to form new relationships, however a ‘Limerent reaction’ within a romantic relationship can lead to inappropriate perseverance and broken-heartedness.