In 2021, Christine Détrez, a sociology professor at the Ecole normale supérieure de Lyon and director of the Max-Weber Center, conducts research on gender issues and culture. She has published works such as “Nos mères. Huguette, Christiane et tant d’autres” (2020) and “Pour te ressembler” (2021). Recently, there has been a lot of talk among teenagers about “crushes.” The term refers to a secret attraction towards someone, akin to the flirt culture of the 1960s. Détrez believes that exploring the concept of crushes can provide insight into the experiences of young people on topics such as love and friendship.
For many, the question arises whether a crush is purely platonic or can develop into a romantic relationship. According to Détrez, a true crush should not lead to a physical relationship, especially during the formative years of adolescence. Young people she has spoken to indicate that once a crush becomes a real relationship, it loses its original essence. However, some young adults continue to maintain romantic feelings for someone even after entering into a concrete partnership, blurring the lines between crush and commitment.
The notion of a crush is multifaceted, encompassing various categories and nuances. A “celebrity crush,” for example, entails an unattainable attraction to a public figure like actor Timothée Chalamet. On the other hand, some crushes may be more lighthearted and shared among friends during high school, serving as a source of amusement and conversation. Young individuals navigate the complexities of attraction collectively, often relying on friends to decipher signs and signals of affection. Through these experiences, they learn about the intricacies of relationships and develop their understanding of love.
The idea of unrequited love also plays a role in the context of crushes, prompting individuals to engage in strategies to discern if their feelings are reciprocated. Simple gestures like making eye contact or exchanging brief greetings can be an indication of mutual interest or simply remain as unfulfilled desires. As young people navigate the complexities of crushes and relationships, they may encounter moments of awkwardness and uncertainty, all while seeking validation and connection with their romantic interests.
Ultimately, the concept of crushes serves as an entry point for understanding the dynamics of attraction and affection among young people. By unpacking the intricacies of crush culture, researchers like Christine Détrez shed light on the evolving nature of relationships and the ways in which individuals navigate feelings of love and desire within a contemporary context marked by social and cultural influences. Through these explorations, a deeper understanding of the nuances of romantic experiences emerges, highlighting the complexities and joys of human connection in all its forms.
