INFATUATION VERSUS LOVE
Infatuation is instant desire. It's one set of glands calling to another.
Love on the other hand, is friendship caught fire. It takes root and grows- one day at a time.
Infatuation says, "We must get married right away. I can't risk losing him."
Love says "Be patient. Don't panic. He is yours. Plan your future with confidence."
Infatuation is marked by a feeling of insecurity. You are excited and eager, but not genuinely happy. There are nagging doubts, unanswered questions, little bits and pieces about your beloved that you would just as soon not examine too closely, lest it spoil the dream.
Love is the quiet understanding and mature acceptance of imperfections. It is real. It gives you strength and grows behind you-to bolster your beloved. You are warned by his presence, even when he is away. Long distances do not separate you. You want him near, but near or far, u know he is yours and you can wait.
Infatuation has an element of sexual excitement. If you are honest, you will admit it is difficult to be in one another's company unless you are sure you will end up in intimacy.
Love is the maturation of friendship. You must be friends before you are lovers.
Infatuation lacks confidence. When he is away, you wonder if he is cheating. Sometimes you even check.
Love means trust. You are calm, secure and unthreatened. He feels that trust and it makes him even more trustworthy.
Infatuation might lead you to do things you will regret later, but love never will.
Love is an upper. It makes you look up. It makes you think up. It makes you a better person than you were before.
Ann Landers, Field Newspaper Syndicate.