Author Description

Living with limerence is a guide for coping with unwanted infatuation. In the 1970s, psychologist Dorothy Tennov coined the term 'limerence' to describe an obsessive mental state of romantic infatuation. If you've ever met someone whose company was so electrifying and exhilarating that you felt intoxicated just by being with them, you understand the euphoric thrill of limerence. If you've also become obsessed with them, plagued by intrusive thoughts you can't control, and unable to keep away from them even after you know it's doing you harm, then you understand the dark side of limerence too. In this book, pseudonymous neuroscientist "Dr L" sets out the case that limerence is best understood as addiction to another person. Drawing on evidence from the neuroscience of reward-seeking, motivation and behavioural addictions, and the personal testimony of some of the thousands of limerents that visit the Living with limerence website every month, he makes sense of the experience of being so utterly infatuated with someone it feels like you've lost your mind. Inside you will learn: What limerence is, how it begins, and how it affects you How neuroscience can explain the experience of limerence Why some people are so addictive Who is most vulnerable to limerence The key stages of limerence How to get rid of unwanted limerence How to protect yourself in the future Limerence can be great, but can also be awful. This guide will help you find the right balance, and plan for a better future.