S2 | Chapter 8: The Symbolic Meaning of Overlooked Romantic Opportunities, Missed Connections, and Limerence

AbstractBazzi's Beautiful and Charles Perrault's Cinderella reflect on time and opportunity as a crucial commodity that determines the maintenance of fidelity and intimacy in a relationship. By incorporating gothic settings and stylized imagery from the music video, it connects to the romantic fantasy most people idealize in a partner over authentic character. Cinderella, framed as a submissive victim who was maltreated, symbolizes emotional barriers that hinder intimacy in relationships. This interpretation explores the manipulation of attachment and the formation of unhealthy dynamics, demonstrating a lack of emotional accountability and a preference for limerent ideals.