What Psychologists Say About Crushes: The Science Behind the Feeling

The Psychology of a Crush: What Happens to Your Brain?

Well, let’s be real – we’ve all been there, right? You see someone and suddenly, your heart races, your palms sweat, and you can’t stop thinking about them. It's not love, exactly, but it sure feels intense. Crushes can be overwhelming and confusing. So, what exactly is going on in our brains when we have a crush?

Psychologists say that crushes activate the same areas of the brain that are involved in reward and pleasure. Basically, when you have a crush, your brain treats it like a little hit of dopamine, which is the same neurotransmitter involved when you experience excitement, happiness, or even addiction. So, in a way, your crush is a bit like an obsession. It’s not just about attraction, it’s about the emotional highs it brings.

I remember when I had my first major crush in high school. Honestly, it felt like my heart was doing somersaults every time I saw that person. At the time, I had no clue that the reason I was acting all jittery and distracted was because my brain was literally hooked on those feelings!

The Role of Physical Attraction and Chemistry

Why Do We Get Physically Attracted to Someone?

Well, this part is interesting. Psychologists suggest that physical attraction plays a huge role in developing a crush. It’s not just about good looks; it’s about things like posture, body language, and even the way someone laughs. These little cues send subconscious signals to our brains, making us think, "Hey, this person could be someone special."

In a recent conversation with my friend Sarah, she told me about her crush on a guy from work. She said it wasn’t just about his looks – it was about the way he smiled, the way he made everyone around him laugh. Psychologists back this up: the chemistry you feel when you’re attracted to someone is real, and it’s deeply rooted in both biological instincts and psychological triggers.

The "Butterfly" Effect

Ever get those butterflies in your stomach when you see your crush? Turns out, there’s a biological explanation for that. This sensation comes from the body’s fight-or-flight response, which gets triggered by the nervous excitement of being near someone you like. The body's reaction is to release adrenaline, making your heart race, your palms sweat, and – yes – those butterflies flutter around.

I remember once, at a friend’s party, when I saw a guy I liked across the room, I could literally feel my heart start racing. It's like your body knows something your brain hasn’t caught up with yet. Crazy, right?

What Psychologists Say About the Impact of Crushes on Our Mental Health

Emotional Rollercoaster

Having a crush isn’t always fun and games. It’s often a mental rollercoaster that can leave you feeling anxious or distracted. Psychologists say that crushes can lead to emotional highs and lows, especially when there’s uncertainty involved. If your crush seems to be flirting with you one minute and ignoring you the next, it can be emotionally draining.

For instance, I remember once, I was texting someone I had a crush on and they went hours without responding. My mind started racing: "Did I say something wrong? Maybe they’re just busy..." I found myself overthinking everything. Honestly, that experience made me realize how much our brains can spiral when we’re unsure about how the other person feels.

Can Crushes Be Addictive?

Psychologists believe that crushes can trigger addictive behavior. Because the brain gets a hit of dopamine when you think about or interact with your crush, you can end up seeking that "high" again and again. This leads to obsessive thinking, where you can’t stop checking their social media, replaying every interaction, or daydreaming about a future together.

Honestly, I’ve been guilty of this myself. When you find yourself constantly checking if they liked your Instagram post or trying to read between the lines of their messages, it’s like your brain is addicted to that feeling of excitement and uncertainty. I once spent an entire afternoon trying to decode a short text message, only to realize later that I was just overthinking it. Mouais, not my proudest moment.

How to Manage a Crush: Tips from Psychologists

Keep Perspective and Don’t Let It Take Over

Psychologists suggest that the key to managing a crush is to keep perspective. It’s important to acknowledge that crushes are natural and often temporary. They don’t define you, and they certainly don’t need to control your emotions. So, if you find yourself obsessing, try redirecting your energy into something productive.

A few months ago, when I was really wrapped up in my own crush, I had to remind myself to take a step back. That’s when I started focusing more on my hobbies and interests, which helped me regain some balance. It was definitely a good move, and it helped me stop overthinking everything.

Take Your Time and Get to Know the Person

Psychologists also recommend taking your time to get to know the person rather than rushing into things. Sometimes, when we develop crushes, we put the other person on a pedestal, imagining them to be perfect. But once you start seeing the reality of who they are – including their flaws – the crush may fade away naturally.

I’ve had crushes that faded because, once I got to know the person better, I realized we weren’t as compatible as I thought. Sure, that’s a bit disappointing, but it’s also freeing. It’s a reminder that crushes often happen because of the allure of the unknown, not because of a deep connection.

Conclusion: Crushes Are Natural – Embrace Them

Psychologists say that crushes are completely natural and an important part of our emotional experiences. They give us joy, excitement, and even a bit of drama. But it's important to remember that they don't define us, and managing them with awareness and patience can lead to healthier emotional experiences.

So, the next time you catch yourself daydreaming about your crush or feeling that rush of excitement, just know that your brain is doing its thing. Enjoy the ride, but don't let it take over. Because, as fun as a crush can be, it’s just one chapter in the bigger story of who you are.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.