What Is Unrequited Love?

Unrequited love is a term that is used when one person has strong feelings towards another that are not reciprocated. This type of love has been the subject

of many books, films, and television programs. The person to whom these feelings are directed at may not even be aware that he or she is the object of someone's affection. Most people become aware of mismatched affections, however. Unrequited love can be awkward no matter what the situation. In fact, it has ended many friendships because problems develop when one person wants to keep the relationship strictly platonic, and the other person wants to act on feelings that cross the boundaries of friendship. It can be very difficult to maintain a friendship under such circumstances. When unrequited love develops in the workplace, it can be especially tricky. People have been known to change jobs in order to avoid this type of situation. It can often be more awkward for the person who is the subject of the affections. Although it may be nice to receive the attention at first, it can become difficult to handle and may spiral out of control. Celebrities are often the focus of unrequited love. Some people develop serious feelings for others who they have never met. This happens more commonly with celebrities, as their lives are played out in the media. A misguided person may actually feel as if they know a celebrity even though they have never met.