Limerence: Romantic Obsession, Infatuation, and the Neuroscience of Person Addiction with Dr. Tom Bellamy
Fri Feb 06 2026
Delanie Fischer chats with neuroscientist and author of Smitten, Dr. Tom Bellamy, about limerence. They discuss the evolutionary roots of limerence, why only 50% of the population experiences it, guidance for those amidst infatuation (whether reciprocal or not), when it crosses the line into prolonged limerence, and practical tips for breaking the cycle of romantic obsession.
Episode Highlights:
Why Romantic Partners May Not Understand Your Feelings
Dopamine: The Common Misconception and How It Really Works
When Limerence Should Wear Off (And What If It Doesn’t?)
Prolonged Limerence: Why Eradicating Uncertainty is Key
Limerence and Infatuation vs. Delusion and Stalking
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The Dark Side of Fetishization: Representation, Stereotypes, and Origins with Kaila Yu: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/3b8cfe65/the-dark-side-of-fetishization-representation-stereotypes-and-origins-with-kaila-yu
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Delanie Fischer chats with neuroscientist and author of Smitten, Dr. Tom Bellamy, about limerence. They discuss the evolutionary roots of limerence, why only 50% of the population experiences it, guidance for those amidst infatuation (whether reciprocal or not), when it crosses the line into prolonged limerence, and practical tips for breaking the cycle of romantic obsession. Episode Highlights: Why Romantic Partners May Not Understand Your Feelings Dopamine: The Common Misconception and How It Really Works When Limerence Should Wear Off (And What If It Doesn’t?) Prolonged Limerence: Why Eradicating Uncertainty is Key Limerence and Infatuation vs. Delusion and Stalking ____ A quick 5-star rating means a ton! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-helpless/id1251196416 Get a bunch of free Self-Helpless goodies: https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/ Ad-free episodes (audio & video) now on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/selfhelpless Your Host, Delanie Fischer: https://www.delaniefischer.com ____ Related Episodes: Cracking The Code To Behavior Change: Troubleshooting Tiny Barriers That Destroy Big Goals with Molly Maxwell: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/24e651e8/cracking-the-code-to-behavior-change-troubleshooting-tiny-barriers-that-destroy-big-goals-with-molly-maxwell 7 Shocking Truths About Codependency And Addiction with Heidi Rain: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/24c74079/7-shocking-truths-about-codependency-and-addiction-with-heidi-rain The Dark Side of Fetishization: Representation, Stereotypes, and Origins with Kaila Yu: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/3b8cfe65/the-dark-side-of-fetishization-representation-stereotypes-and-origins-with-kaila-yu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices