Idealization for Dummies

Idealization is a way of thinking or perceiving something as being perfect or ideal, even if it may not actually be that way. Imagine you have a favorite superhero, someone you absolutely adore and look up to. In your eyes, this superhero might seem flawless, courageous, and always doing the right thing. You might think that they never make mistakes and always know what to do. That's a form of idealization, as you're seeing this superhero as someone who can do no wrong, which might not actually be true.

Another way to understand idealization is by thinking of social media. You know those pictures we often see on platforms like Instagram where everyone seems to be living their best lives? Those pictures are often carefully selected and edited to show only the most positive aspects of someone's life. We see people smiling, laughing, and seemingly having a perfect time. But the truth is, those pictures don't always show the entire reality. People may not share their struggles, challenges, or moments of sadness. When we see those pictures and start thinking that everyone else's life is perfect except ours, that's also a form of idealization.

So overall, idealization means seeing something or someone as being better or more perfect than they actually are. It's like putting on a pair of rose-colored glasses that make everything look brighter and more ideal than it really is. It's important to remember that idealization can sometimes lead to unrealistic expectations and disappointment when we realize that things aren't always as perfect as we initially thought. It's good to appreciate the positives in life, but it's also important to have a realistic perspective and understand that flaws and imperfections are a natural part of being human.