Ep. 10 - Are You in Love or Just Obsessed? Understanding Limerence

Episode Teaser:Have you ever chased a love so intense you thought it could fix everything, only to find it broke you instead? Or looked back on a relationship and wondered if it was love at all—or something else entirely? In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on limerence, the obsession hiding behind so many of our cultural love stories. We’ll explore how this phenomenon shapes our lives, why we glorify it, and how to break free. If you’ve ever felt consumed by love, this episode might just change the way you see it forever.00:00 – IntroductionWhy this episode has been on my heart for years and why limerence is an idea so many are still unaware of.02:25 – Why Do We Obsess Over Romantic Love?An exploration of the cultural and psychological reasons behind humanity’s fixation on romantic love. Why do we glorify it? Why does it consume us? And what does it mean when reality doesn’t live up to the stories we’ve been sold?04:48 – The Role of Big Media CompaniesFrom Hallmark to Disney, we dive into how corporate giants shaped our ideals of romance. How did they transform love into a product to sell? And what does this mean for the way we experience love in real life?11:41 – The Historical Record of LimerenceA look at Dorothy Tennov’s groundbreaking research, the coining of the term 'limerence,' and why this idea has stayed in the shadows of popular culture.16:01 – Negative Consequences of LimerenceAn eye-opening breakdown of how limerence can wreak havoc on emotional stability, relationships, and mental health. If you think limerence isn’t affecting you, this list might make you think twice.18:29 – Dissecting Romantic Moments in Popular MediaLet’s take iconic romantic stories, like Beauty and the Beast, Titanic, and Friends, and flip the script. We’ll explore the unhealthy dynamics they glorify and imagine what their endings would look like in real life—with all the messy, complex fallout.24:36 – Personal Story: Obsession with a FriendA deeply personal reflection on how limerence played out in my own life and what I learned about love, friendship, and healing along the way.27:06 – Self-Care as the AntidoteIf you’re wondering how to tell the difference between love and limerence, here’s the truth: it all starts with self-love. Learn how self-care can be your guide to healthier relationships and a more grounded understanding of love.30:39 – Closing ReflectionThis episode may have challenged the way you think about love—and that’s okay. Growth begins with questioning. Let’s embrace the discomfort, rebuild, and move forward with clarity and compassion.Engage with the ShowFollow @healedmanpodcast on Instagram and YouTube to connect with me.