Using imparfait and Passe compose

Question

In the sentence, "Elle a été très impressionnée" we used passe compose whereas with "c'etait très romantique" we used imparfait. Aren't they both expressing an emotion so it should be imparfait for the first example instead of passe compose? Please help me out Thank you

Accepted Answer

Hi Alvine, 
Within the realm of emotions, you will use either the Passé composé or the Imparfait depending on the duration of the emotion :
1. Elle a été impressionnée
refers to the fact that he cooked her a delicious meal 
2. C'était très romantique
refers to the weekend as a whole, hence the imparfait for duration
Hope this helps!

Answer

I had the same question, and while I understand the correct answer, "was impressed" still seems more like a description of her response than a fleeting emotion. Is it always that responses to events which start and finish in the past that dictates passé compose?