𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝘂𝘇𝘇𝗹𝗲𝘀: 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗿𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗼 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀

With billions of people in the world and countless encounters with thousands of individuals, a lone individual lays their faith in the rich weave of fate. Where the red string of fate delicately connects someone’s moon to their sun.

The renowned quote, 'We accept the love we think we deserve,’ originates from Stephen Chbosky’s acclaimed novel, ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower.’ These are the words that many can relate to, wherein they may chance upon someone who mirrors the depth of love they are willing to offer, reflecting a connection that goes beyond mere surface reflections.

Even though certain constituents of Generation Z have little interest in establishing a family of their own, there’s still someone out there chasing a love that reflects permanence—a connection parallel to an unbreakable mirror.

It's a fancy dance of Imagination to weave daydreams in which you shine as the protagonist, entangled with the prince of your life between the pages of your favorite book. These creative creations spring up when a reader, fascinated by the written word’s enchantment, becomes the creator of their own fictitious love story.

“You will obviously become delulu or delusional (as how generation Z pertains to being “assuming" to the point that you think you might find yourself a perfect guy. I mean, I know, every person in this world regardless of their gender deserves to have someone who exceeds their standards, but you must also realize that there is no perfect someone, everyone has flaws, you just have to make sure that he loves and respects you.” Carise Joy Dacayo, the former Editor-in-Chief, when asked if she would ever meet someone in real life who has characteristics comparable to the mythical male characters she reads about in books.

Indeed, it’s a magical thought to think of someone who suits our perfect ideal of a partner—not realizing we’re slipping away from reality as it is. It can be that we always thought of the characters we read in books as a perfect match that could make our world go around, but still, it’s better to keep ourselves in the real world. Nevertheless, it really may be the signal ‘cuckoo’ that takes us to the butterflies.

JC Jimenez, a fourth-year communication student, defines a crush as ‘someone who can light up your day’. Our crushes really do light up our day and even motivate us to attend school each day; they are the ones we look forward to in every possibility that we can.

When Jimenez was asked how crushes make people feel special or unique through their actions or statements, he answered: Every simple chat would mean a lot to me, AS IN A LOT. To the point that I am making scenarios in my head thinking that “that simple chat” means “something else”. Well, we couldn’t blame him, as we can’t deny that we’ve experienced the way he did once in our lives. Our crushes send shivers down our spines.

Jimenez also listed some behaviors or actions that crushes do that make people infatuated; he emphasized: sincere actions, dance moves, and nonchalant actions. They are just some of the things that fuel imaginative scenarios that some of us interpret as an expression of deep affection from our crushes.

Moreover, another communication student in his third year, Romer Madrid, provided some examples of funny things crushes do or say that make people fall even harder for them. According to him, constant communication and updates, even without a defined label in the relationship, have the power to make anyone fall for someone. Engaging in sweet conversations all night long is a sure recipe for catching feelings.

In the realm of butterflies that we experienced, Madrid’s insight highlights that a simple exchange of messages and updates with constant conversations seems to create a connection that transcends the line between what is real and wishful thinking. It appears that the absence of a defined label or status causes thrills, which makes emotions flourish.

When asked about how crushes generate a sense of anticipation or excitement through their behavior or words, Romer highlighted the sense of a conversation that feels genuine and not forced, following the importance of a lengthy conversation yet effortless, engaging replies. In his view, it’s these things that cause the sense of anticipation or excitement that intensifies butterfly cues.

He also said that we can avoid being hurt by our fantasies by knowing how the person treats us and by controlling our feelings, especially if there is no defined label. “… just move forward, continue admiring the person without attachment and without making a scenario for yourself.”

Madrid advised people who are going through fantasies with their crushes to move forward and focus their attention on other things that also matter, and there will always be the one for you that comes at the right time.

Certainly, crushes make it easier for us to conquer the things that surround us. They motivate people to be better, and they are the ones are being looked forward to during tge day. The little pat on our heads, the short “good luck! You can do it!” encouragement, and the glances that we share truly make it all for us. It may be that we live in our fantasy where our crushes reciprocate our feelings, but let’s remember that an action not stated is not a confirmation of our speculations.

Let us still keep the line between the unconfirmed cues and our hopeful imaginations defined. We all deserve clear intentions, so have your crushes responsible to avoid getting hurt by your ideas.

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Text by Heleina Anjela Quesada and Angilene Dableo

Graphics by Jayane Leslie Feliciano

Layout by Angilene Dableo