On TikTok, one user claims that being delulutook her from being homeless to owning a seven-figure business.
AnotherTikToker explains howshe played with delusion to get into an entirely new relationship.
Think of Jim Carrey inDumb and Dumber, imagining a blissful life with Lauren Hollys character.
Or Laura Linney and her bespectacled office crush inLove, Actually.
Its that imaginary one-sided romantic fantasy about someone that youd love to date, at least in theory.
Connell Barrett, dating coach
To be sure, a delusionship is different from asituationship.
founder and executive coach ofDating Transformation
This may be due to a lack of commitment or effective communication between them.
4 telltale signs that you are in a delusionship
1.
These fantasies might feel intense and elaborate, but they exist only in your imagination.
If someone likes you romantically, theyll let you know.
Meaning, a real relationship will involve active communication on both ends.
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Are delusionships harmless?
At this point, the delusionship has escalated into something downright toxic.
Kendra Capalbo, LICSW, couples therapist
You may also be putting the other person on a pedestal.
That could lead you to set untenable expectations for future (real) relationships.
founder and executive coach ofDating Transformation
To ensure a healthy approach to relationships, its essential to recognize the difference between fantasy and reality.
Heres how you could do so and break free from any unsupportive delusionship in the process.
6 steps to break free from a delusionship, according to relationship experts
1.
It may be helpful to get perspective from someone else who can also provide valuable insight, says Capalbo.
What emotional need are you trying to fill?
Loneliness hurts, and a delusionship can [temporarily] heal that wound…but at a certain cost.
Its time to live in the real world, not in my head, he says.
you could also ask friends to set you up on dates, or attend meetups for singles.
The internet offers endless opportunities to feed our obsessions.
Capalbo
Thats why Capalbo suggeststaking a break from social media.
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