Family romance

Family romance is a concept in psychoanalysis where individuals harbor feelings of longing, identification, or confusion about family roles and relationships. It often involves fantasies or subconscious desires related to family members, such as wishing for different familial ties or exploring alternative family scenarios. These feelings can influence personal identity and emotional development, sometimes leading to misunderstandings or conflicts about one's family or roots. Recognizing family romance helps in understanding inner conflicts and the complex ways people relate to their family history and roles.