Delusionships
A "Delusionship", by definition, is the infatuation that you feel for someone you don’t have an established relationship with. It could be the person you frequently run into at the grocery store or someone whose social media profile you've been tirelessly scrolling through. It's the act of building a connection with someone, without actually having met or interacted with the person in a meaningful way.
As per a recent study from Stanford University, almost 40% of couples now meet online, and with the continued rise of social media and dating apps, this figure is expected to grow. Such platforms provide fertile ground for Delusionships to thrive, but it's essential to understand the potential pitfalls of this emerging trend.
The challenge with Delusionships is the disparity between reality and the idealized version of the person that we conjure in our minds. We construct an image based on curated social media profiles or brief encounters, and this can lead to disappointment when reality doesn't align with our expectations. According to a survey by Pew Research, about 71% of online daters believe people misrepresent themselves on their profiles.
A Delusionship can feel intoxicating, much like the beginning of any relationship. The allure of the unknown, the thrill of the imagined, can be deeply seductive. But without a foundation in shared experiences and mutual understanding, these feelings may be fleeting or misguided.
Here's some advice on how to handle the Delusionship terrain:
Stay Grounded
Remember, what you perceive is only a part of who the person truly is. It’s easy to romanticize someone from afar, but until you've spent time together, you're seeing only a fraction of their personality.
Open Communication
Don’t let your feelings fester. If you find yourself drawn to someone you've been silently admiring, muster up the courage to communicate with them. You'll either begin a dialogue that could lead to something real, or you'll have the clarity to move on.
Find Balance
Infatuation can be exhilarating but remember to balance your feelings with a healthy dose of reality. Your imagination can be a great storyteller, but it’s crucial not to let it entirely dictate your feelings.
Know When to Move On
If you find yourself stuck in a Delusionship for an extended period, it might be time to reevaluate. Unrequited love can be draining, and it's essential to prioritize your emotional well-being... and remain open to meeting others.
My thoughts:
Delusionships can feel very real and intense, but it's important to remember that healthy and lasting relationships are built on mutual respect, shared experiences, and authentic connection. It’s especially important to remember that what you see online, if often not a true reflection of a person.
In the realm of love and dating, there's a place for fantasy, but the truly fulfilling connections are those grounded in reality. Remember that it’s okay to dream, but it’s even better to seek authentic connections.
