Why Falling in Love is Like Psychosis

Falling in love is one of the greatest and most ecstatic experiences a human being can have. Yet, in most instances, it’s also a form of psychosis. As a psychotherapist that focuses on couple’s counseling, I get to see the highs and lows of this experience on a regular basis. By exploring falling in love in more detail, I hope to help people avoid the bad decisions that can result from this dangerous brain “drug.”

The dictionary defines “psychosis” as: “a severe mental disorder in which thought and emotions are so impaired that contact is lost with external reality.” That may sound like a harsh way of describing an amazing experience, yet I think it holds up. When two people fall in love, their thoughts and emotions often are “so impaired” that they do lose touch with what others would say is “reality.”

In some relationship circles, they have a name for this “love psychosis.” It’s called NRE or New Relationship Energy. People familiar with NRE know it will wear off in time, and they don’t make major decisions while in its grip. They enjoy the fantastic sex and endorphin rush, but are not surprised when the “honeymoon” starts to fade.

Perhaps you’ve seen this form of psychosis in your friends. A good friend excitedly tells you they’ve just met “the one.” You finally meet their new love interest, and you’re flabbergasted. The person who was described as…