How Long Does Limerence Last? Answering Your Questions!
The short answer
Limerence usually lasts anywhere from three months to 48 months, and most cases last around two years. It is possible for limerence to last longer, but that is quite rare. Limerence is a state of intense infatuation and longing for another person, so knowing it has a time limit can help you make sense of what you or your spouse are feeling.
Key takeaways
- Most cases of limerence last around two years, and the full range runs from three months to 48 months.
- Limerence lasting longer than that is possible but quite rare, so a 12-year friendship is unlikely to still be limerence.
- After an emotional affair, Dr. Joe and Dr. Kimberly recommend building calculated trust as you rebuild the relationship.
- Knowing the stages of limerence can help you make sense of the hard emotions it brings into a marriage.
In this episode, we answer questions from our listeners regarding limerence. Limerence is a state of intense infatuation and longing for another person. One listener asks how long limerence typically lasts, and we explain that it can vary from three months to 48 months, with most cases lasting around two years. While it’s possible for limerence to last longer, it’s quite rare. We also discuss a case where a listener’s husband had an emotional affair with a coworker, but it didn’t turn sexual. The listener asks if her husband’s friendship with the coworker could still be considered limerence, but we believe it’s unlikely to have lasted for 12 years. Another listener asks how to start trusting her husband again after an emotional affair, and we recommend building calculated trust to rebuild the relationship. Ultimately, understanding the stages of limerence can help individuals navigate complex emotional situations in relationships. Dive into this episode with us to learn more!
Relationship Radio is hosted by CEO of Marriage Helper, Kimberly Beam Holmes, and founder of Marriage Helper, Dr. Joe Beam.
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Common questions
Can an emotional affair with a coworker still be limerence after 12 years?
It’s unlikely. When a listener asked about her husband’s long friendship with a coworker that never turned sexual, Dr. Joe and Dr. Kimberly said they believe limerence is unlikely to have lasted 12 years.
How do I start trusting my husband again after an emotional affair?
Dr. Joe and Dr. Kimberly recommend building calculated trust as you rebuild the relationship.
Why does it help to understand the stages of limerence?
Understanding the stages of limerence can help you handle the complex emotional situations it creates in a relationship.