What is what does it mean to like the idea of someone?

Liking the idea of someone is different than liking them. It refers to being attracted to a perception of a person rather than the actual, complex individual. This often involves projecting your own desires, fantasies, and ideals onto them. Here's a breakdown:

• Idealization: You see them as possessing qualities you admire or lack, often exaggerating their positive traits and overlooking their flaws. This ties into romantic%20idealization.

• Projection: You attribute your own feelings, needs, or desires to the other person, believing they share them. For instance, assuming they're as independent as you are, when in reality, they crave connection more. This leads to a misunderstanding%20of%20intentions.

• Lack of Authenticity: The relationship is built on a fantasy, not genuine interaction and acceptance of each other's true selves. There is a disconnect%20from%20reality.

• Superficiality: The connection is often based on surface-level aspects like looks, shared interests, or perceived status, rather than deeper compatibility and understanding. This superficiality results in a shallow%20relationship.

• Disappointment: When the reality of the person inevitably clashes with your idealized version, disappointment and disillusionment are likely to occur. This is due to unrealistic%20expectations.

• Controlling tendencies: You might try to mold the person into your ideal, rather than accepting them as they are.

Essentially, liking the idea of someone is liking a construct of your own making, rather than the person in their entirety. It often stems from a need to fulfill unmet needs or desires within yourself.