Crush vs. Admire: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on November 20, 2024
A crush is a strong but usually temporary attraction towards someone, often without them knowing, while to admire is to respect or have a high opinion of someone or something, often from a distance.
Key Differences
A crush typically refers to a powerful, often fleeting, infatuation with someone, usually characterized by intense feelings of attraction and fantasies about a relationship with the person. This term conveys a sense of emotional excitement and longing, often without any deep knowledge of the person's true nature or the likelihood of a future relationship. To admire someone, on the other hand, involves recognizing and respecting their qualities, achievements, or skills. This feeling can be based on a more comprehensive understanding of the person or their work.
A crush is often driven by physical attraction and the idea of romantic involvement, admiration is rooted in respect for someone's abilities, ethics, or accomplishments. The former is typically associated with a sense of yearning and emotional turbulence, whereas the latter is more reflective and grounded in genuine respect.
Crushes can lead to feelings of nervousness and excitement in the presence of the object of affection, often accompanied by a desire to form a closer relationship. Admiration, however, may inspire individuals to emulate the admired qualities in their own lives, without the need for personal interaction or acknowledgment from the admired person.
Despite their differences, both feelings can profoundly affect individuals, shaping their interactions and perceptions. A crush might evolve into deeper feelings of love or dissipate over time, while admiration can lead to a lasting sense of respect and inspiration drawn from the admired individual's actions or character.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Intense but temporary attraction towards someone
Respect or high opinion of someone or something
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Nature
Emotional, often romantic
Respectful, often non-romantic
Basis
Physical attraction, fantasy
Qualities, achievements, skills
Outcome
May lead to romantic feelings
Inspires respect, emulation
Duration
Often temporary and fleeting
Can be long-lasting based on continued respect
Crush and Admire Definitions
Crush
The act of being overwhelmingly attracted to someone.
His crush on the singer grew every time he heard her voice.
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Admire
Appreciation of someone's skills or achievements.
They admired the athlete for her perseverance.
Crush
A brief but intense infatuation with someone.
She had a crush on her classmate, daydreaming about him constantly.
Admire
To regard someone highly for their qualities.
She admired her teacher's dedication to education.
Crush
An emotional state of longing and fantasizing.
Her diary was filled with entries about her crush.
Admire
To hold someone in high esteem.
I admire your courage and honesty in this situation.
Crush
The experience of feeling romantically overwhelmed.
He couldn't speak around his crush, feeling nervous and excited.
Admire
Recognizing and valuing someone's excellence.
Everyone admired the chef for his culinary creativity.
Crush
A powerful desire to be near or with someone.
He realized his crush was more than just admiration.
Admire
The act of looking up to someone with respect.
He admired the author for his innovative ideas.
Admire
To regard with pleasure, wonder, and approval
Admired the sculptures at the art museum.
Admire
To have a high opinion of; esteem or respect
I admired her ability as a violinist.
FAQs
Is a crush always romantic?
While crushes are often romantic, they can also be based on strong platonic admiration.
What's the best way to deal with a crush?
Handling a crush healthily involves acknowledging your feelings, maintaining a realistic perspective, and respecting the other person's boundaries.
Can you admire someone you have a crush on?
Absolutely, it's common to admire someone for their qualities while also having a crush on them.
Why do we admire people?
We admire people for their talents, virtues, achievements, or qualities that we value or aspire to have.
Can admiration be negative?
While admiration is generally positive, excessive or blind admiration can lead to ignoring a person's flaws.
What does it mean to admire someone?
To admire someone means to respect or hold them in high regard for their qualities or achievements.
Can a crush turn into admiration?
Yes, a crush can evolve into admiration if the focus shifts from romantic attraction to respect for the person's qualities.
Is it normal to have a crush on someone you barely know?
Yes, crushes often form based on limited knowledge and are fueled by attraction and fantasy.
What defines a crush?
A crush is an intense but usually short-lived romantic attraction to someone.
Can admiration lead to jealousy?
Sometimes, admiration can turn into jealousy if it causes someone to covet the qualities or success of the admired person.
Can a crush be on a fictional character?
Yes, people can develop crushes on fictional characters, often based on their personalities or stories.
How long does a crush last?
The duration of a crush varies but it's typically temporary and can last from a few weeks to months.
How can you tell if someone admires you?
Signs of admiration include compliments, seeking your company or advice, and respect for your opinions.
Is there a difference between admiration and idolization?
Yes, admiration is based on respect for specific qualities, while idolization often involves uncritical adoration.
What makes someone admirable?
Qualities like integrity, courage, compassion, and excellence in a field make someone admirable.
How do societal norms influence crushes and admiration?
Societal norms can shape whom we find attractive or admirable based on cultural values and expectations.
What role does social media play in crushes and admiration?
Social media can amplify feelings of crushes and admiration by providing more access to information about the person, though it may also distort reality.
Do crushes affect friendships?
Crushes can affect friendships, especially if feelings are not reciprocated or if they change the dynamics of the relationship.
How do you express admiration without appearing insincere?
Express admiration by being specific about what you respect and doing so in a genuine and modest manner.
Can crushes and admiration coexist for the same person?
Yes, it's possible to both have a crush on and admire someone for their qualities simultaneously.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
