Stendhal charted the timing of falling in love in terms of what he called crystallization - a first period of crystallization (of some six weeks)[13] which often involves obsessive brooding and the idealisation of the other via a coating of desire;[14] a period of doubt; and then a final crystallization of love.[15]
Empirical studies suggest that men fall in love earlier than women and women are quicker to fall out of love than men.[16]
Spiritual value[edit]
While some consider falling in love to be the nearest approach to a spiritual experience possible for the non-religious,[17] others say its loss of ego boundaries is merely a temporary phenomenon which has little to do with, or may even block, spiritual development.[18]
