Smitten: Romantic Obsession, the Neuroscience of Limerence, and How to Make Love Last

Smitten explores the psychology of infatuation and how to recognize and move beyond it toward healthier love. Symptoms like butterflies, intrusive thoughts, fantasies, and mood swings are often associated with new love, but they can also indicate "limerence"—a psychological state of obsessive, passionate, or addictive love that may become unhealthy. Millions of people experience limerence at some point. Tom Bellamy Ph.D., a neuroscientist, examines advances in neuroscience since the term was coined in the 1970s to illuminate this aspect of human experience. The book covers what drives limerence, how to recognize it in yourself and others, how to manage the phases of addiction to another person, and how to move past it to sustain longer, more fulfilling relationships. With practical advice and support, this book helps readers struggling with unwanted feelings find emotional equilibrium and offers guidance rooted in neuroscience for those experiencing obsessive love and seeking a path to healthy relationships.