Cyprus Mental Health Institute Cyprus Turkish Journal of Psychiatry and Psychology 1302-7840 2667-8225 5 2 Turkish 2 N N Y 2023 06 17 Full Length Paper Ideal and Received Affection Discrepancy: Investigating the Pathway to Unfulfilled Relationships> English Y 146 162 Akshita Bakshi English Galgotias University, Faculty of Humanities, Department of Psychology, Uttar Pradesh India akshitabakshi21@gmail.com N 0000-0003-1006-1336 Shadab Ahmad Ansari English India shadab.ansari@galgotiasuniversity.edu.in Y 0000-0002-1831-9912 10.35365/ctjpp.23.2.07 With the increasing frequency and openness of dating relationships in Indian culture, there has been a corresponding rise in reports of unhappiness and heartbreaks. The concept of affection, which carries the power to give and receive love, reveal attachment wounds, and complicate relationship dynamics, may play a significant role in these challenges. Therefore, this research aimed to target the underpinnings of romantic relationships by studying the foundation of a relationship on which it is built and maintained. Hence, the experience of individuals who are struggling with affection discrepancy and simultaneously coping with challenges such as the perceived fading of affection, which can result in unhealthy dynamics, was studied. Using Phenomenology, the data was obtained through in-depth, one on one interviews with 12 individuals in dating relationships, who have experienced the affection discrepancy, and dealt with the fading of affection. Results highlight the elements of ideal affection, the disparity between received, vs expected affection, participants' contribution towards unfulfilled relationships, and common coping behaviors. The findings revealed that many participants had lowered their personal standards of affection. and settled for the bare minimum, or “just enough” love they received from their partners. The study also identified a pathway leading towards unfulfilled relationships and emotional exhaustion, shedding light on patterns of unhealthy relationships. The article concludes by discussing the limitations and directions for future research. English Affection, self-betrayal, fading love, attachment wounds, unmet expectations, coping https://www.ktppdergisi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/7.Ideal-and-Received-Affection-Discrepancy.pdf https://www.ktppdergisi.com/ideal-and-received-affection-discrepancy-investigating-the-pathway-to-unfulfilled-relationships_abstract/?lang=en https://www.ktppdergisi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/7.Ideal-and-Received-Affection-Discrepancy.pdf English References 146 162