Can a crush on someone other than their partner actually help a person’s relationship? 

While it might sound counterintuitive, sex therapist Emily Power Smith says a crush on someone else is not always negative. 

“If we're looking at how it can help a marriage or a relationship, first of all, it's not going to help a relationship that isn't in good shape,” she explained on Moncrieff. 

“There's no doubt about that; but if you're both secure and you're having a good relationship, then having an eye, or having your eye drawn by somebody else, there's no harm in that. 

“Even fantasising about that other person isn't a danger because fantasies aren't plans.”

Ms Power Smith continued that it is important to distinguish between fantasy and reality. 

“If I asked you to tell me your fantasy holiday and every year you go to Wexford to a caravan, odds are your fantasy is not going to be a caravan in Wexford,” she added. 

“And if it is, there's probably something wrong with that.

“Fantasising about your best holiday, your favorite holiday, your imaginary holiday that you might never have, it gives you a bit of spark, it gives you a little bit of oomph.

“It makes you think about what's possible in the world.” 

For some people, it might be beneficial to talk about your crush with your partner. 

“If a couple can talk about it and you're both into talking about it and you both like that, then yes, it can bring a bit of spark to your sex life even,” Ms Power Smith said.

Two people with a crush on one another. Picture by: Alamy.com.