Psychology In Seattle Podcast Limerence Deep Dive (Chapter 9 - The Cause)
Dec 10, 2025
Delve into the complexities of limerence as Dr. Kirk Honda breaks down its symptoms, highlighting the addictive cycles of euphoria and despair. Explore how behaviors can warp into possessive and abusive love patterns due to attachment insecurity. Compare fictional relationships like those in 'Twilight' and 'Brokeback Mountain' to understand the nuances of infatuation versus limerence. Kirk also shares insights from surveys, showing how obsessive fantasizing can mimic the effects of addiction.
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Martha Example Blends Limerence And Abuse
- Martha from Baby Reindeer shows some limerence-like signs but also fits other categories.
- Kirk Honda argues her profile aligns more with entitled, possessive, abusive love than pure limerence disorder.
Addictive Cycle Is Key To Limerence Disorder
- Limerence disorder requires an addictive cycle of euphoria and despair to qualify.
- Honda emphasizes that without this cycle, we should label the phenomenon differently.
Abusive Love Often Mirrors Childhood Models
- Honda recounts how abusive partners often model entitled, possessive love learned in childhood.
- He uses Martha to illustrate how entitlement, boundary violations, and assault point to abusive love.