Limerence Uncovered: When Romantic Obsession Replaces Real Love w/Author Amanda McCracken

Limerence Uncovered: When Romantic Obsession Replaces Real Love w/Author Amanda McCracken

From Enneagram and Marriage by Christa Hardin, MA

May 27, 2026 · 48 min

About this episode

The episode explores the concept of limerence and its impact on relationships with guest Amanda McCracken.

Meet author, New York Times viral writer, and wife/mom Amanda McCracken, the woman who sat beside Katie Couric and was told she had 'fairytale princess syndrome' as she dreamed of romantic love. This comment launched a ten year research journey that became the book, When Longing Becomes Your Lover: Breaking from Infatuation, Rejection, and Perfectionism to Find Authentic Love, that we're talking about today on the brand new pod. Discover how limerence - obsessive romantic rumination - became both self-protection, avoidance, and self-sabotage all in one, not delivering and yet keeping thousands of individuals (married or single) from the healthy relationship they desired. Learn about the intersection of personality and limerent patterns, the science behind why we get addicted to unavailable people, and most, practical steps toward authentic love. Watch on YouTube! Show links: Get Amanda McCracken's book, "When Longing Becomes Your Lover" here! Learn more about Amanda and her writing here! Follow Amanda on Instagram here! Find more about your type, the pod, freebies, and SO much more at our website right here…

People in this episode

Host: Christa Hardin

Guest: Amanda McCracken

Topics covered

  • limerence
  • romantic obsession
  • authentic love
  • infatuation
  • relationships

Keywords

  • limerence
  • romantic obsession
  • authentic love
  • infatuation
  • relationships
  • self-sabotage
  • personality

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: When Longing Becomes Your Lover

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