Obsession vs. Infatuation — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 1, 2024
Obsession is a persistent and intrusive preoccupation with someone or something, often unhealthy; infatuation is a short-lived, intense attraction to someone, typically without real understanding or commitment.
Difference Between Obsession and Infatuation
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Obsession involves a deep, persistent fixation that can dominate one's thoughts and behaviors, leading to significant personal and social consequences. Whereas, infatuation tends to be more superficial and fleeting, often characterized by an intense but short-lived passion or admiration for someone.
Obsessive feelings can significantly interfere with daily functioning, reflecting a deeper psychological issue. On the other hand, infatuation is generally harmless and fades as quickly as it develops, usually without leaving any lasting impact.
Individuals experiencing obsession may find it hard to control their thoughts or actions regarding the object of their obsession, which can be a person, idea, or task. In contrast, those infatuated are usually aware of the irrationality of their intense attraction and can often laugh about it afterward.
While obsession can lead to behaviors that necessitate intervention, such as stalking or other disruptive acts, infatuation usually results in benign and non-disruptive behavior like daydreaming.
Obsession requires more substantial emotional investment and often evolves over a longer period, deeply embedding itself into the emotional fabric of the individual. Conversely, infatuation can begin with a mere glance and often dissipates after a few encounters or when faced with the reality of the object of affection.
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Comparison Chart
Duration
Long-term and persistent
Short-term and transient
Depth of feelings
Deep, often uncontrollable
Superficial and easily changeable
Impact on life
Can be disruptive and unhealthy
Generally benign and harmless
Awareness
May not recognize the problem
Often aware of the irrationality
Resulting behavior
Can lead to harmful or disruptive actions
Usually leads to harmless behaviors
Compare with Definitions
Obsession
Persistent preoccupation that is resistant to any efforts to alter it.
Despite the advice, her obsession with dieting only grew stronger.
Infatuation
Foolish or all-absorbing attachment or admiration.
The young poet’s infatuation with metaphors is obvious in his writings.
Obsession
A condition where someone's life is dominated by a single subject.
His obsession with collecting stamps is well known among his friends.
Infatuation
A state of being completely carried away by unreasoned passion or love.
Her infatuation with the pop star was evident from her room decor.
Obsession
A mental state where thoughts are continually filled with a particular idea.
His obsession with winning caused him to neglect his health.
Infatuation
An extravagant expression or feeling of attraction.
Her infatuation with Paris began after her first visit.
Obsession
An unhealthy focus on a specific object or individual.
Her obsession with cleanliness meant she spent hours scrubbing the same spot.
Infatuation
An intense but short-lived passion for someone or something.
His infatuation with the new intern faded after a few weeks.
Obsession
An excessive and consuming attachment or belief.
His obsession with the conspiracy theories led him to isolate from family.
Infatuation
A temporary love of an adolescent.
Their infatuation seemed deep, but it was over by the end of summer.
Obsession
The quality of being obsessed.
Infatuation
Infatuation or being smitten is the state of being carried away by an unreasoned passion, usually towards another person for whom one has developed strong romantic or platonic feelings. Psychologist Frank D. Cox says that infatuation can be distinguished from romantic love only when looking back on a particular case of being attracted to a person.
Obsession
A compulsive, often unreasonable idea or emotion.
Infatuation
To inspire with unreasoning love or attachment.
Obsession
(Psychiatry) A pattern of unwanted or intrusive thoughts or urges that recur persistently, often accompanied by symptoms of anxiety.
Infatuation
To cause to behave foolishly.
Obsession
An idea that engenders a compulsive or irrational preoccupation, or the preoccupation thereby engendered.
Infatuation
Infatuated.
Obsession
An activity or entity that inspires a compulsive and potentially unhealthy fixation, or the fixation thereby inspired.
Editing Wikipedia started as a hobby, but it's turned into a complete obsession of mine.
Infatuation
(obsolete) The act of infatuating; the state of being infatuated; madness.
Obsession
Influence or control by evil spirits without possession.
Infatuation
Something which infatuates.
Obsession
The act of besieging.
Infatuation
The act of infatuating; the state of being infatuated; folly; that which infatuates.
The infatuations of the sensual and frivolous part of mankind are amazing; but the infatuations of the learned and sophistical are incomparably more so.
Such is the infatuation of self-love.
Obsession
The state of being besieged; - used specifically of a person beset by a spirit from without.
Whether by obsession or possession, I will not determine.
Infatuation
Foolish and usually extravagant passion or love or admiration
Obsession
An excessive preoccupation of the thoughts or feelings; the persistent haunting or domination of the mind by a particular desire, idea, or image.
Infatuation
Temporary love of an adolescent
Obsession
Any driving motive; a compelling goal; - not necessarily implying a negative judgment, as does sense 3; as, the coach was obsessed with winning the state championship
Infatuation
An object of extravagant short-lived passion
Obsession
Something that causes an obsession{3}.
Obsession
The state of being obsessed.
Obsession
An irrational motive for performing trivial or repetitive actions against your will
Obsession
An unhealthy and compulsive preoccupation with something or someone
Common Curiosities
Is obsession considered a psychological problem?
Obsession can be part of psychological disorders like OCD, requiring professional intervention if it disrupts normal functioning.
How does one recognize if they are obsessed or infatuated?
Recognition depends on the duration and intensity of feelings; obsession is persistent and deep, infatuation is brief and light.
What is the main difference between obsession and infatuation?
Obsession is a long-term, invasive preoccupation, potentially unhealthy, whereas infatuation is typically a brief, intense but superficial attraction.
How does society view infatuation and obsession?
Society often views infatuation as a harmless part of growing up but sees obsession as potentially dangerous and destructive.
What are the typical outcomes of infatuation?
Infatuation typically results in no serious consequences and tends to resolve itself quickly.
Can infatuation turn into obsession?
Yes, infatuation can evolve into obsession if the initial attraction deepens and persists beyond the usual fleeting nature of infatuation.
How do emotions differ between obsession and infatuation?
Obsession involves deeper, more controlled emotions, whereas infatuation is marked by an exhilarating rush of superficial feelings.
Can obsession be positive?
While obsession is typically viewed negatively due to its potential to disrupt life, it can also drive significant achievements if channeled properly.
What triggers infatuation?
Infatuation is often triggered by physical attraction or an idealized perception of another person.
Is there a typical duration for infatuation?
Infatuation usually lasts a few weeks to a few months, seldom longer unless it transitions into deeper feelings.
What psychological factors contribute to obsession?
Psychological factors like anxiety, low self-esteem, and a propensity for addictive behaviors can contribute to the development of an obsession.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
