Love is caring, nurturing, mutually supporting and giving. It is focused on the needs of the beloved. Obsession is self-centred, ferocious and cruel. It happens when you cannot function as a person on a daily basis without thinking of your object of affection.

When the other person becomes the centre of your universe and everything within your life revolves around him/her, you have an obsession. When you are unable to work, take care of yourself or perform normal daily activities because your mind is constantly on the other person, you have an obsession.

Another form of obsession is refusing to accept that a past relationship is over. The relationship may have ended a few weeks, months or years ago, and the other person may have moved into new relationships. But the obsessed person refuses to acknowledge this, and spends every waking moment trying to find ways to get back togther with his/her ex.

Solutions:

1. Spend time with your favorite people, other than with your object of affection

2. Do your favorite things, alone or with family and friends, without him/her

3. Talk to someone about your feelings - speak to a trusted adult such as your parent, a counsellor, teacher or clergy.