Compare and Contrast Essay

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Love and Infatuation
Love and infatuation are universal emotions. A good comparison of the two emotions can be drawn by observing lovers. This group often displays one of the two emotions at a point in their relationship. Love and infatuation are emotions that are inherently similar in nature to the observer who is not keen. Although they share some essential similarities, these two emotions also have both subtle and prominent differences that tell them apart. This article highlights the similarities between love and infatuation and the differences that also make it possible to distinguish the two emotions.
Both love and infatuation stem from a common source. The two emotions arise from admiration. People admire the individuals and objects that they love. People are also infatuated by individuals who possess the qualities they admire. The two emotions appeal to what is best within us and are a reflection of that which we value. For this reason, these feelings are very personal and priceless.
Also, love and infatuation are similar in the fact that they are both expressions of endearment and devotion. When an individual loves another, they are devoted to them. A lover will consider their loved one’s interest the same way a mother would think of the interest of her child. This devotion is part of the nature of love. In the same way, when an individual is infatuated with someone, the infatuated person makes the other the center of their world.

An infatuated individual is overly devoted to the pleasure and happiness of their partner to extents that appear irrational.
However, the specificity in the nature of the affection separates love from infatuation. The scope of love is very broad. Love can refer to a mother’s love for her child or the affection between lovers. On the other hand, infatuation is very distinct as it is sexual in nature. This difference in the subjects of the emotions puts them apart.
Also, the rationality of the affection is a point of difference between the two emotions. Infatuation is qualified by its irrationality. Infatuation defies all reason and demands affection even in spite of reason against it. This emotion burns bright and blinds all reason. However, love is considered rational. In a state of mutual love, both parties understand the exact nature of the object of affection and can qualify their affection. Unlike infatuation, love does not exclude reason.
The nature of the two emotions gives them socio-cultural significance by which they can be set apart. Infatuation is considered an immature emotion. This perception arises from the fact that infatuation is often irrational, a trait associated with individuals who are incapable of being objective. On the other hand, love is appraised and considered mature. For this reason, infatuation is often expected to develop into love as it matures.
The duration of affection in love is different from that in infatuation and serves to tell them apart. Love lasts longer. On the other hand, infatuation fades fast. This observation is in keeping with the expectation that infatuation may only be the first phase in a relationship and that a successful transition into love signifies maturity and portends well for the relationship.
In summary, love and infatuation are both emotions of endearment that are often confused. Although love and affection share a common source and are both an expression of endearment, they have many fundamental differences that set them apart. These two emotions differ in their specificity, rationality, socio-cultural significance and even duration of affection. Contrary to common perception, they are two distinct emotions.