Almost everyone knows someone who quickly falls head over heels for ‘the one,’ only to break up and repeat the cycle soon after. Psychologists now refer to this behaviour as ’emophilia,’ a term coined by Dr Daniel Jones. Emophilia describes the tendency to fall in love frequently and rapidly.
Similar to other character traits, emophilia exists on a spectrum. Some people rank high, others low, with most falling somewhere in between. Dr Jones explains that individuals high in emophilia frequently ‘seek the thrill of romantic emotions, instant connections, and swift romantic developments.’ However, he emphasises that this is about ‘want’ rather than ‘need.’
These individuals do not start relationships out of loneliness, fear of being single, or anxious attachment, unlike those who crave closeness but fear rejection, as Dr Jones noted in his paper published in Personality and Individual Differences.
Psychologists have labelled behaviour in which people repeatedly find ‘the one’ — and warn that it may not be a good sign ⬇️ https://t.co/15BmmA2RYZ
— The Times and The Sunday Times (@thetimes) September 30, 2024
Yet, falling in love instantly or with little information can cause issues. Dr Jones, an associate professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, highlighted that while emophilia is not a mental disorder, high levels can lead to risky behaviours.
These behaviours include ignoring warning signs in a love interest or engaging in unsafe sex due to an early sense of trust and commitment. People high in emophilia may even lie for a partner, covering for them despite having known them briefly. Dr Jones’ studies also found they are more prone to infidelity. Their constant excitement and rapid connections do not wane once they enter a relationship, making them a higher risk for infidelity.
The frequent nature of their romantic entanglements distinguishes them. A person who falls in love quickly and remains faithful without looking for other love interests would not be classified as high in emophilia, according to Dr Jones. Repeated and quick romantic connections are necessary for emophilia to be present.
Dr Jones advises those high in emophilia to practice patience and consider giving ‘boring’ individuals a chance while dating. These individuals are often overlooked because they do not induce the same rush of excitement. Charismatic individuals who excel in first impressions might have hidden agendas, using that initial excitement for later exploitation. Red flags for harmful behaviour should not be ignored.
He also suggests finding a friend, family member, or therapist to help navigate emotions and decision-making. Trust their advice, and remember that while emotions and excitement can be easily manipulated, trust and companionship must be built slowly for a relationship to have a realistic chance of success.
What Other Media Are Saying
- News18.com explores emophilia, a condition where people fall in love more intensely and quickly, highlighting its neurological and psychological causes and the role of serotonin and dopamine imbalance in romantic feelings.(read more)
- Reddit article discusses emophilia as a psychological trait describing easy and frequent falling in love, linked to higher romantic relationships and infidelity instances.(read more)
- Psychology Today explores emophilia, where people fall in love quickly and frequently, potentially leading to missed red flags and risky behaviors due to emotional impulsivity and oxytocin sensitivity.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is emophilia?
Emophilia is the tendency to fall in love fast and often, seeking immediate romantic connections and emotions.
Is emophilia considered a mental disorder?
No, emophilia is not a pathology but can lead to risky behaviors.
What risky behaviors are associated with emophilia?
Risky behaviors include ignoring red flags, unsafe sex, lying for a partner, and being unfaithful.
How can people high in emophilia manage their tendencies?
They should be patient, consider ‘boring’ people, and seek guidance from friends, family, or therapists.
Why are highly emophilic people more likely to be unfaithful?
Their low threshold for excitement and fast connections make them prone to infidelity.
