The Fantasy Bond

A “fantasy bond” describes an illusion of connection between a couple that is substituted for feelings of real love and intimacy. Forming a fantasy bond is an often unconscious act of self-parenting and self-protection, in which the partners becomes pseudo-independent, replacing the form of being a “couple” with the real relating involved in being in love. The degree of reliance on a fantasy bond is proportional to the degree of frustration and pain experienced in a person’s developmental years. In this section, you can learn why fantasy bonds are formed, what qualities make up a fantasy bond, and how to avoid falling into an unhealthy “bond” in your own relationships.

Dr. Lisa Firestone On The Fantasy Bond

Dr. Lisa Firestone on the Fantasy Bond

The Fantasy Bond Defined for Professionals

An Introduction to The Fantasy Bond with Dr. Lisa Firestone  

Why the Spark Fades in a Relationship

Countless couples complain of losing the “spark” in their relationship. Some chalk it up to... >>

Dr. Robert Firestone on The Fantasy Bond

Dr. Robert Firestone, author of Fear of Intimacy and The Fantasy Bond explains the concept... >>

Why Are We Hooked on Rejection?

You don’t need to be a psychologist to note the very harsh effects of a... >>

The Difference Between Emotional Hunger and Real Love

Emotional hunger is not love. It is a strong emotional need caused by deprivation in... >>

Real Love or a Fantasy Bond: The Appeal of the Twilight Saga

The latest Twilight movie “Breaking Dawn” is already breaking records. Young fans clamored and camped... >>

Can Love be Learned?

Anyone who has indulged in romantic comedies like When Harry Met Sally, As Good as... >>

It Is Immoral To Stop People From Loving You

Some of the most destructive behaviors, commonplace in relationships, are those that people act out... >>

True Love or a Fantasy Bond?

There is a misconception in our culture concerning the reason why intimate relationships deteriorate and... >>