Loving you from afar: Attraction to others (“crushes”) among adults in exclusive relationships, communication, perceived outcomes, and expectations of future intimate involvement

Abstract

Crushes are uncommunicated, often unilateral, attractions to an individual, generally viewed as a state of unfulfilled longing. They are typically attributed to young people, but recent research suggests that these experiences might be common among adults as well, including among those in committed relationships. Combining findings from three studies across four datasets, this mixed-methods research explores crushes experienced by individuals in committed intimate relationships. Study 1 explored types of crushes, preferences and nature of exchanges among adults in committed relationships and compares their reports to a sample of single individuals. Study 2 examined perceived outcomes of crushes as a way to assess needs or goals served by crushes. Study 3 investigated expectations about whether and how the crush relationship might evolve into a more intimate relationship. A total of 3,585 participants (22–45 years, 53.1% women) completed anonymous online surveys addressing crush experiences and related dynamics. Those in committed relationships typically did not intend to communicate their attraction to the target, unlike single individuals. Associated outcomes were primarily positive, including excitement, increased esteem, and fantasy/escape. The vast majority reported no expectations that these crushes would evolve into more intimate relationships, replacing their current relationship. This work adds to our understanding of attraction outside of traditional human courtship processes, with implications for the study of intimate relationship development and maintenance.

American Singles’ Attitudes Toward Future Romantic/Sexual Partners’ COVID-19 Vaccination Status: Evidence for both Vigilance and Indifference in a National Sample

“…Rather, the survey was created to gather information on what singles are doing or desiring in their dating lives that could potentially be used for later marketing purposes. While there are currently no publications associated with the 2021 SIA dataset, the SIA study is the data source for several previous publications in a variety of disciplines, including social relationships, sexual identity, and body image, to name a few (e.g., see Frederick et al, 2020 d; O’Sullivan et al, 2022 for two recent examples).…”