Why Are We Attracted to People Who Ignore Us?

It’s fairly common to feel emotional or sexual attraction for those who ignore us. Thus, instead of interacting with people who treat you with affection and could become potential partners, most have a tendency to idealize those who reject them. Psychologically, this effect is known as “reactance”. There’s a lot to it. Coined by Brehm, the concept refers to the feeling that arises in any individual deprived of their freedom. There’s reactance when someone is pressured to accept a particular point of view. It’s an emotional and motivational reaction to adopt the opposing standpoint that strengthens the resistance to persuasion….