
The Laws of Connection — The Scientific Secrets of Building Stronger Relationships
The Art of Manliness
Resolving the Liking Gap
The liking gap is a common social phenomenon where individuals underestimate how much others like them after a positive interaction. Despite having enjoyable conversations, people often leave wondering whether they came across well, leading them to feel that the other person may not share the same level of interest or fondness. This mutual misperception can prevent individuals from pursuing further interactions, such as follow-up meetings or collaborative efforts, thereby hindering relationship development. The liking gap can persist over time, as research has shown that even long-term roommates may doubt each other's affection for months. To foster better relationships more swiftly, it’s crucial to overcome this gap by reinforcing the shared reality experienced during initial interactions, thus trusting that the connection felt was genuine for both parties.