An unexplored problem in hospital psychiatry is the phenomenon of romantic involvement between patients. The character type observed has intense, brief relationships, idealizes objects, disregards the realities of marital status, age, socioeconomic differences, and shows a contempt for sex. These patients are euphoric when 'in love'; 'out of love' they are bored, restless, and sometimes depressed with paranoid and suicidal ideas. The hospital 'romance' between patient and doctor is also discussed. Sudden termination of treatment may lead to guilt feelings, shame, anger, depression, and suicide. The problems encountered by therapeutic intervention in the romance are discussed.