Crushes can stir up a rollercoaster of emotions—and TikTok’s latest viral trend is a testament to that. How far would you go for your crush?
With over 160 million posts, TikTok showcases how people try to catch the attention of their crushes by aligning with their interests. From eye colors to dance moves to peculiar hobbies, users are sharing amusing antics in hopes of winning over their crushes.
In one video, nearly 23 million viewers were entertained as a girl transformed to resemble Ariana Grande after her crush revealed his admiration for the singer. Comments flooded in, with one individual admitting, “I’m embarrassed for you, but you kind of pulled it off.”
According to Moore, a crush can shake your self-perception. Feeling the need to change to impress someone signifies a belief that you’re not worthy of love as you are.
In another video by @becksandquest, the caption recalls the poster adapting to her crush’s preference for “skater girls.” The clip, with over five million views, shows the girl skating in a beanie.
Although these videos are light-hearted, Moore highlights a deeper truth: the yearning for a crush often stems from insecurities.
Moore suggests that the intensity of crushes differentiates them from ordinary romantic interests. They evoke a mix of emotions like love, infatuation, and longing.
She explained, “A crush can be an intense desire for someone seemingly unattainable or out of reach. This perception of the crush being beyond your grasp may lead you to compromise or change yourself.”
Attempting to please your crush excessively can backfire. Moore notes that sacrificing your identity to please someone can come off as insecure, which isn’t attractive in romantic relationships.
The Essence of Crushing
While insecurity may prompt you to act differently around your crush, it’s essential to maintain your confidence. Moore advises starting by assessing your own feelings and staying true to yourself.
She recommends gauging your desires against your authentic self. She added, “If you have a strong sense of self and value your identity, you’ll be more open to others’ interests without losing sight of who you are.”
Recognizing your worth and essence can help bring your crush down from the pedestal you’ve placed them on.
Moore stresses the importance of not repeating history. While TikTok users are lauded for their shapeshifting abilities to impress their crushes, Moore warns against losing yourself in the process.
She explains, “If someone loves you for a false version of yourself, they don’t truly love you.”