Pssshhhh, every time I look up, I see a girl or guy cruising down the hallways of my school on Cloud 9. They walk around, floating off their intense feelings—an experience so new that a majority of teens don't know how to label it. Some call it "love," others call it "infatuation."


As I watch these teens, I try to break down what love is, in my mind. Is it a deep and intimate friendship—the type of connection two best friends have? Since I've never been in love, I can't tell you firsthand. But I imagine it would be a friendship that consists of honesty, trust, respect, attraction, communication, and compatibility.

I know one thing for sure: Some teens end up doing unusual things when they think they're in love with someone. They get so wrapped up in the feelings or the idea of loving someone that they will do almost anything to hold on to it. Some teens fight over a guy or girl, to prove their love. They buy that person expensive gifts and even write love letters, which I have to admit I was guilty of a few years back.

Endless Quest

But a lot of the things we do because of love only last for the moment. To me, true love is long lasting. It remains even when you're not with that person anymore.

But sometimes, as soon as one relationship is over, you're on the hunt for another. If so many teens are on a quest for love, won't they have a problem focusing on schoolwork and preparing for the future? In my opinion, the search for love in high school is like trying to find a grain of rice on a paper plate in a snowstorm at night. It requires time (a lot of it) and dedication to the journey.

Love or Infatuation?

Now, maybe it's just my logic, but hunting for something that's going to come in due time seems like a waste of time. With all that's going on during high school, should love really be a top priority?

Don't get me wrong. Some people end up lucky, and find that grain of rice. The rest of you, though, should really think about the difference between love and infatuation before you do crazy things.

Next time you think you're infatuated with someone, think about when you were younger and saw a toy you wanted. You saw the commercials for it and desperately wanted it. But then, once you got the toy, you slowly got bored with it.

That happens when you are infatuated, too. You finally get to know the person you have been infatuated with and then someone new comes along, and you start to want that person, too. And that first person doesn't seem so appealing anymore. Just like the last toy.

Think about It

Well, I understand this much: Love is an unselfish act, while infatuation is a selfish mindset.

Hopefully, my story opened your eyes to the pursuit of love in the teen years. And just remember: Whether it is love or just infatuation, slow down and think before you act.