Difference between Secret Admirer and Stalker

Key Difference: A Secret Admirer is someone who likes or has feelings for another person but may be too shy to approach him or her. A Stalker is also someone who likes or has feelings for another person. However, a stalker goes about displaying that affection is the wrong manner.

It is always nice to be appreciated; however some forms of appreciation can be more aggressive than others. A Secret Admirer is someone who likes or has feelings for another person but may be too shy to approach him or her. Hence, instead of directly approaching them, he or she may sent letters, poems, or flowers to the other person and in doing so they will be letting them know that someone like them but they cannot yet shoe them who.

The behavior of a secret admirer is generally seen as a wooing technique, where one person tries to win the affection of another but does so secretly as he or she is too shy to do it openly. This kind of behavior is generally seen in younger or immature children who are not yet sure of how to approach the other sex or a relationship in general.

A Stalker is also someone who likes or has feelings for another person. However, a stalker goes about displaying that affection is the wrong manner. A stalker may send notes to their affection or may even start following them around. Stalking behaviors may also include harassment and intimidation.

Stalker

A stalker’s feelings and attention can border on obsession with the other person, so much so that they may not even realize that their behavior is inappropriate. This is why the term stalking is often used in psychology and psychiatry, as well as in a term for a criminal offense.

According to a 2002 report by the National Center for Victims of Crime, "virtually any unwanted contact between two people that directly or indirectly communicates a threat or places the victim in fear can be considered stalking." However, in practice the legal standard is usually somewhat stricter and is mainly gauges on the fear felt by the stalked.

Comparison between Secret Admirer and Stalker:

	Secret Admirer	Stalker
Description	A secret admirer is an individual who feels adoration, fondness or love for another person without disclosing his or her identity to that person.	A stalker shows unwanted or obsessive attention toward another person.
Behavior	May send gifts or love letters to his or her crush.	Stalking behaviors are related to harassment and intimidation and may include following the victim in person or monitoring them.
Feelings	Sweet, adorable	Scary, creepy