Romantilisus

Romantilisus is a neologism used in cultural and psychological discourse to describe a tendency to idealize romantic and emotional experiences in everyday life. It refers to how people seek, interpret, and present love and affection, often through mediated narratives and aestheticized imagery.

Origin and etymology: The term emerged in online essays and cultural criticism during the early 2010s. It combines 'romance' with a Latin-like suffix to denote a quality or condition, and has since appeared in scholarly discussions and popular media.

Characteristics and manifestations: Romantilisus involves persistent idealization of partners and dates, a preference for storybook scenarios, and attention to cues that confirm romantic narratives. It shapes dating behavior, media consumption, and self-presentation, sometimes increasing satisfaction when reality aligns with fantasy, and sometimes contributing to disappointment when it does not.

Relation to criticism: Critics argue that romantilisus can blur the line between fantasy and reality, amplifying escapism or consumer-driven notions of love. Some scholars distinguish it from authentic attachment by emphasizing narrative production over interpersonal dynamics.

Context and related concepts: In literature, film, and online culture, romantilisus intersects with romanticism, sentimentalism, and the modern emphasis on aesthetics. See also: romanticism, sentimentalism, idealization.