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The Liking Gap in Conversations
In conversations, individuals often feel responsible for any awkwardness that arises, attributing social blunders or pauses to their own shortcomings. However, both participants in the interaction tend to leave believing they liked each other more than the other person liked them, a phenomenon known as the liking gap. This implies that people are overly critical of their own conversational missteps while underestimating how little the other person genuinely focuses on those faults. Rather than fixating on perceived faux pas, it's essential to recognize that the other person likely prioritizes the overall emotional atmosphere of the dialogue, rather than specific moments of social awkwardness. Understanding the liking gap can alleviate self-criticism and shift focus toward the positive emotional connection established during conversations.