Definition: The delusional act of romanticizing blatantly toxic behavior by mentally recasting crimson red flags as charming quirks or passionate virtues. Mistaking boundary-stomping for “dedication,” pathological lying for “protective secrecy,” or emotional manipulation for “intense chemistry.”
Essentially gaslighting yourself into seeing danger roses. Chronic offenders end up trauma-bonded to dumpster-fire relationships, wondering how the “quirky” partner who showed up uninvited ever became the stalker they need a restraining order against.
Example:
She excused his constant texts checking her location as just being passionately devoted, ignoring the crimson red flags of control.
His initial “quirky” habit of showing up unexpectedly evolved into full stalking, leaving her trauma-bonded and needing legal protection.