Emotional relationship · Intense attachment
Limerence relationship symbol in genograms
Quick answer
What is limerence?
- Intrusive, uncontrollable thoughts about the person
- Intense emotional dependency on perceived reciprocation
- Physical symptoms: heart racing, trembling, flushing
- Idealization of the limerent object
- Fear of rejection reaching paralyzing proportions
- Temporary elation when reciprocation seems possible
Dorothy Tennov's research
Clinical significance in family systems
- Affairs where one party is limerent rather than in love
- Unrequited attachments affecting family dynamics
- Historical relationships that still hold emotional power
- Patterns of obsessive attachment across relationships
Limerence vs. love
| Line | How it looks | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Limerence | Slate line, two circles, arrowhead | Obsessive, anxiety-driven, focused on gaining reciprocation |
| Love | Green line with one circle | Mutual care, security, focus on the other's wellbeing |
| In love | Green line with two circles | Mutual romantic attachment |
| Fan / admirer | Slate line, circles, arrowhead | Admiration directed at another, without romantic obsession |
| Focused on | Red line, filled arrowhead | Intense attention without the obsessive romantic quality |
Limerence in affairs
- Believe they've found their "true" soulmate
- Compare their spouse unfavorably to the limerent object
- Make impulsive decisions based on limerent feelings
- Experience withdrawal symptoms when the affair ends
On the genogram, the limerence line can sit alongside an affair line between the same two people. See how to show an affair.
How to add a limerence line in GenogramAI
- 1
Start from the limerent person
Select the limerent person first and click the red heart (emotional line) button, then click the limerent object. The arrow points from the first person to the second. - 2
Choose Limerence
With the new line selected, pick Limerence from the relationship types in the panel on the right. The line redraws in the limerence style straight away. - 3
Add context
Use the label/note field on the line to record when the pattern started, what drives it, or how each person describes it. - 4
Or ask the AI
In the AI chat, type a request such as "Add limerence from David to his colleague Sarah" and the line is added for you.
Frequently asked questions
What does the limerence symbol look like on a genogram?
It is a slate (grey-blue) line with two small circles in the middle and an open arrowhead at one end. The arrow points from the limerent person to the person they are fixated on (the "limerent object"), because limerence is one-sided.
What is the difference between limerence and love on a genogram?
Limerence is obsessive, anxiety-driven and focused on gaining reciprocation; love is mutual care, security and focus on the other's wellbeing. GenogramAI draws love and in love as green lines with circles and no arrow, while limerence is a slate line with an arrow pointing one way.
When should I use the limerence symbol?
Use it for affairs where one party is limerent rather than in love, unrequited attachments affecting family dynamics, historical relationships that still hold emotional power, and patterns of obsessive attachment across relationships.