What Is Limerance, And How Long Does It Normally Last?

April 2, 2009 -- Question: What is limerance, and how long does it normally last?

Answer: Limerance is actually a term coined by a researcher named Tennov way back in the 1960s. But it has such an impact on us that we actually have continued to use that term, because we all relate to what limerance is. Limerance is that period of passionate, intense infatuation with another person -- that falling in love experience when we're almost obsessed with the person or we think about them all the time.

We think of everything they do as almost perfect, we see very few flaws and we wonder why everybody else doesn't see our loved one as perfect as well. And, unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, limerance is a short time period. Limerance can really only last about 2-3 years, unless, actually it is unrequited. Unrequited limerance can unfortunately last for a very long time. It's almost because the object of our desire is so out of reach that we keep longing for it.

But in general, limerance lasts about 2-3 years and is reflected as passion and excitement and that "in love" feeling.