Any singleton knows by now that navigating the world of 21st century dating is notoriously tricky business.
Apparently, however, as well as f**kboys, heartbreaks, ghosters and cheaters, there's one more thing that lonely hearts are receiving a warning about - something referred to by psychologists as 'emophilia'.
.jpg)
What is 'emophilia'?
Before we get into it, it is not a phobia or adoration of emo individuals.
Advert
Everyone has that one friend that seems to fall in love with everyone they meet - and when they fall, they fall hard - picturing their weddings after only a handful of dates, sharing loved-up snaps of one another all over social media and showering their brand-new love interest in presents and affection.
Even more worryingly, these are usually the same friend that calls off their love connection as quickly as it started.
And usually, it's without any particular reason.
'I got bored', 'I got the ick', 'I went off them,' are usually the excuses given, and then it's simply onto the next.
Advert
And if you can't think of a friend with such a relationship habit, then I hate to break it to you, but it's probably you.
It turns out that this vicious, emotionally-exhausting cycle has a name, and is actually known as 'emophilia'.
What do the experts say about emophilia?
According to relationship expert and psychologist Dr Daniel Jones, 'emophilia' simply describes someone with the tendency to fall in love fast and often, said Dr Daniel Jones, the psychologist who coined the term.
Advert
And like many other personality traits, it can be placed on a scale from low to high.
As the doctor explains, those who are highly emophilic repeatedly 'seek the rush of romantic emotions, immediate romantic connections, and the rapid development of romantic love'.
He adds that these individuals often 'do not start out needing someone in their life', but 'are prone to loneliness, fear being single' or are 'anxiously attached'.
Are there any problems with emophilia?
While there's nothing wrong with following your heart, falling in love frequently could cause problems when it comes to long-term personal life.
Advert
"Although it is not a pathology [i.e. a mental disorder], elevated levels of emophilia can result in risky behaviors," he explained.
Such a condition could, apparently, also see several concerning red flags ignored, as well as a tendency to part-take in unsafe sex due to an early 'sense of trust, commitment, and an interpersonal bond'.
Dr Jones added that these individuals could also be guilty of sacrificing their personal values for a partner.
Advert
"Their excitement, rush of attraction, and fast connections don't turn off once they get into a relationship," he added.
"Because they have a lower minimum threshold for excitement and connections, it makes them an infidelity risk."
So, if you're prone to falling head over heels at the drop of a hat, you might need to reassess a few things.
Topics: Sex and Relationships
Rhianna Benson