Smitten

Intoxicating passion, butterflies in the stomach, obsessive fantasies … it’s love! Isn’t it …? Psychologists use the word “limerence” to describe obsessive, passionate or addictive love, and millions of people will experience it at some point in their life. When passion warps into intrusive thoughts and mood swings, unchecked limerence can damage relationships and be hard to control. In this groundbreaking book, neuroscientist and limerent Dr Tom Bellamy looks at exactly what is happening in the limerent brain, shedding a welcome light on this common, yet little-understood, element of the human experience. What drives limerence? How can we recognize it in ourselves and others? And how can we recover from addiction to another person? With supportive advice about next steps and real-life case studies throughout, this book will help readers control unwanted feelings, regain emotional balance and sustain long-lasting, fulfilling relationships.