Is there a link between ocd and limerence? Does it mean that you want that person in a sexual way? Can it be platonic? Can it be towards a kid? If it is towards a kids, does it make that person a p*do?
Hi Anna, OCD tries to create correlation equals causation which is not true for most things. So there isn't a link in that sense yet it is similar as both involves obsession. OCD is a disorder that affects daily life negatively by obsessive behavior to act in a dysfunctional way including to obsessively think about theories rather than facts. Limerence is about gearing beliefs to worship the object or person that it is needed in their life as if there will be reciprocation even if there is evidence of little to no reciprocation. When obsessed with a label or feature or morals, that is more OCD than limerence. Limerence can have OCD where it is about doing a thought or behavior with the belief that they can do something to influence or control to get their obsession. OCD does not have limerence tendencies as they are trying to avoid as if for survival and comfort. OCD questions morals and reality despite continued reassurance and proof of events. Having such fears of avoiding to not be one out if your own values is OCD. It becomes so fearful it's an abuse to ones self identity by avoiding anything as long as they hope it gives them comfort even if it never gave actual comfort. So limerence would be more "i know the [subject] doesn't love me but can you -imagine- if we could?" Or "if only they changed we could be together more and now". It's a romanticized even without sexual to even a case of gaining possession through worship rather than possessive, by wanting to give and hope for reciprocation. Since there is little to no reciprocation they become sad and may affect their daily life for this daydream. Limerence is high attachment trying to be with something or something despite the abuse from the person or destruction from the object while avoiding grief of possible loss. A pedo is an adult over 18 years of age intentionally preying on or actually seeking sexual context of children under 18. I understand it that for 18 year olds may have romantices with someone around 5 years younger than them yet legally it is ill advised to pursue relationships for ethical reasons since an 18 year old is mentally more developed than their younger counterparts yet still not mature enough to understand distinction and boundaries fully about sexual preferences. Pedo rarely have remorse of their actions and continues to act such as intentionally reach out or obtain content that requires the child to be sexual rather than something platonic or parental protection and affection. When there is remorse shown it's more about excuses because they got caught, not before, during, or after their actions. They can show remorse but not feel it, if anything is just regret for getting caught rather than question if they would be labeled a pedo because they think they did no wrong. There is not a back and forth question and what if they are, they are more focused on how to not get caught by hiding despite thinking this is not an abuse on another.
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