A therapist works with a couple where partner A sees partner B as "perfect" in the early parts of the relationship. When partner B no longer conforms to expectations, however, partner B becomes the enemy. The therapist might call this:

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Splitting is a defense mechanism where an individual fails to integrate positive and negative aspects of others, seeing them as either all good or all bad. This is common in borderline personality disorder but can occur in various contexts, including relationships, where one partner idealizes the other and then devalues them when they fail to meet expectations.

A Therapist Works with a Couple Where Partner a Sees