Do you really know? Could the liking gap be harming your new relationships?
May 2, 2025
Ever left a date feeling uncertain about how they viewed you? That’s the liking gap at play, where we often think others like us less than they actually do. This mindset can sabotage budding relationships, especially in dating and new friendships. Insights from a 2018 study reveal that most people underestimate how much others enjoy their company. With a sprinkle of self-doubt and self-criticism, this fascinating phenomenon affects us all—learn how to recognize and overcome it!
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The Liking Gap Defined
- The liking gap is when we underestimate how much others like us in new social situations.
- This gap can cause self-doubt and sabotage potential relationships before they start.
Liking Gap Can Derail Relationships
- The liking gap can cause people who like each other to never connect.
- Fear of rejection makes people shut down or become distant prematurely.
Liking Gap Beyond Romance
- The liking gap occurs not only in dating but also in new jobs, friendships, and flat shares.
- It does not usually happen with long-term friends or family due to familiarity.