Is it normal to have crushes when you’re in a relationship?

crush relationship

This doesn’t have to be the end of your long-term relationship

To some people, their partner falling in love with someone else would automatically mean the end of the relationship. They believe it is a clear red flag when the person they love develops feelings for another person. But it doesn’t have to be, according to a neuropsychologist. 

Don’t panic

It can be scary when you’re in a committed relationship and you start to have feelings for someone else. You and your partner might not be as in love as you were when you just met and some of the passion might have gone too. And when you meet someone else that you can laugh and talk with, it might be exciting enough to lead to a small crush. Or a big one. But this doesn’t mean that your relationship is over. Neuropsychologist Nawal Mustafa says that it is completely normal to sometimes get a crush on someone that isn’t your partner.

A lot of crushes

Researchers found that 69,9 percent of women who are in loving and committed, long-term relationships, have experienced crushes on people that weren’t their partners. That means that if you have or have had a crush on someone else, it is completely normal. And you don’t have to worry about your current relationship just yet. Your innocent crush will only turn into a threat for your relationship when you act on it.

So, there is not really anything to do about it except wait it out. If you don’t invest any time or energy in this crush, it will disappear just as quick as it appeared. And your relationship will be as strong as it was before you freaked out about a temporary desire.

Also read: This is why people divorce after being married for decades

Source: Marie Claire | Image: Unsplash, Vince Fleming