Limerence
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Limerence is the mental state of being madly in love or intensely infatuated when reciprocation of the feeling is uncertain. This state is characterized by intrusive thoughts and idealization of the l
Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss, by Antonio Canova, first version 1787–1793
Dante and Beatrice, by Henry Holiday, depicts Beatrice refusing to speak to Dante, an event which according to Dante left him so overcome with sorrow that he bitterly cried himself to sleep, "like a little child [...] after it has been beaten".
Tristan and Isolde (Death), by Rogelio de Egusquiza. In this myth, the two drink a love potion by mistake, when Iseult is due to be married to Tristan's uncle, a king. In one version of the story, Tristan dies of a broken heart after a signal sent by Iseult is miscommunicated to him as a rejection. In another version, Tristan is mortally wounded but Iseult cannot save him and gives up her spirit. The story is said to be the quintessential courtly romance.
Passionate Encounter
Unrequited love
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Unrequited love is a love which is not reciprocated, one-sided, or more generally unequal, resulting in a yearning for more complete love. This might occur inside a relationship with unequal love, com
Limerence
…begins before an intimate relationship and before the person experiencing it knows for certain whether it is reciprocated. Limerence is frequently unrequited and turns into a lovesickness that can be difficult to escape. Tennov argues that some situational uncertainty is required for the mental preoccupation…
According to legend, the Greek poet Sappho fell from a rock out of unrequited love for the ferryman Phaon. Painting by Ernst Stückelberg, 1897.
Echo and Narcissus (1903) by John William Waterhouse. The nymph Echo pines for Narcissus, who loves only his own reflection.
Dante looks longingly at Beatrice Portinari (in yellow) as she passes by him with Lady Vanna (in red) in Dante and Beatrice, by Henry Holiday
Apollo and Daphne, by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, depicts Daphne turning into a tree to escape the pursuit of Apollo, after an arrow shot by Eros made him fall in love with her