Reply to bowsprit
I define a crush as a fleeting infatuation. That doesn't come anywhere close to my definition of love.
The crushes described in this thread, in my opinion, are fleeting fantasies and don't in any way come across as love.
I agree, a one-sided pain can last for years. It is futile to love someone unavailable who doesn't know someone is in "love" with them. This is very dangerous, and I would seriously question that person who doesn't know the other person but claims to be in love with them is a much more dangerous fantasy than a simple crush. They are people who are in love with their own idea of who that person is without ever speaking to them, and zero basis in reality.
Celebrities are just people who happen to be someone's version of a celebrity. Most that I have met are gracious and kind and love to be treated "like a regular person and not a celebrity or famous person." Of course, there are always those who try to abuse their "status," but they usually don't last long.
BTW, if you meet a celebrity and hit it off, ask them for a date if they and you are single. Most people are too afraid to.
Worked for me, a wonderful woman still friends to this day, our romance didn't work out but our friendship has endured for decades