Reflections with Alphonsine

Why do so many passionate relationships fade just as quickly as they ignite? Often, it’s because we fall in love with a fantasy, not a real person. Carl Jung, the Swiss psychologist, believed much of what we call “love” is actually projection —a reflection of our desires, fears, and unmet needs cast onto another. True love begins not with perfection, but with the courage to see and be seen . In this reflection, we’ll explore four insights from Jungian psychology that reveal what keeps love alive when the fireworks fade: Why projections create fragile love How does an authentic connection sustain a relationship The role of passion in mature love Why true love starts with inner wholeness 1. Projection vs. Authentic Connection Passionate love often burns hottest when fueled by fantasy. We project our ideals of the perfect partner, flawless lover, or eternal caretaker onto someone else. It feels intoxicating—until reality sets in. 💬 “The intensity of infatuation is often i...