You think about them all the time, filled with fantasies. It's hard to concentrate on anything else. Fighting it only makes it come back harder, and it affects your work, play, and relationships with people close to you.

Your mood becomes completely tied to their behaviour. A small smile or kind word from them can elevate you to euphoria, while perceived rejection plunges you into despair. You feel emotionally trapped, as if they hold the key to your happiness.

You crave validation that they feel the same way. You analyse every interaction for signs they might return your feelings. This creates a constant state of hope and uncertainty, with moments of perceived reciprocation feeling like life-affirming victories.

You see them as perfect, focusing exclusively on their positive qualities whilst ignoring or rationalising away their flaws. You place them on a pedestal, attributing almost magical qualities to them, creating a fantasy version rather than seeing the real person.

Sometimes you experience physical sensations of yearning – a literal ache in your chest when thinking about them or during separation. There's a bodily intensity to the longing that manifests as butterflies, heart palpitations, or a hollow feeling in your gut.

Your priorities dramatically shift as this person becomes the centre of your universe. Hobbies, friendships, career goals, and personal well-being take a backseat. You make decisions primarily based on increasing chances of contact with them, even when those choices aren't in your best interest.