This article explores my theory that having a partner leads to seeing oneself through positive illusions and ultimately having greater self-confidence. This hypothesis was revealed through the idea that people see both their partners and themselves as more attractive than others see them. This can be both self-limiting and a benefit to your relationship and self-esteem. It has been found that people like others they can see themselves in, which would make it important, if this were the case, for people to see themselves positively. Time affects the outcome of positive illusions to demonstrate that long-term effects can differ from short-term ones. Positive illusions about oneself can lead to narcissism, and positive illusions in relationships can be harmful or help save the relationship. Contrary to the effect of positive illusions on oneself, they can help the relationship to flourish. The flip side to such claims is that positive illusion can show negative effects, despite the benefits of such tendencies. Positive illusions refer to a person's tendency to overestimate, enhance, or add a quality to another to make it appear that he or she has a higher trait quality. of what they actually do. In the sense of partners it happens more frequently. Sometimes it's natural and other times it's tied to other levels of appreciation from your partner. Research has shown that positive illusions are linked to relationship longevity, increased satisfaction, increased trust and help resolve conflicts and arguments between couples. It has also been correlated with levels of intimacy, passion, and commitment. These illusions can help resolve conflicts in multiple ways, provide a sense of security, and altogether stabilize a relationship and reality... middle of paper... other positive associations are welcome in intimate relationships. Both may be true, people may want realistic ideals from their partners based on their own self-perception and still want their partners to have positive illusions about them. Sandra L. Murray, John G. Holmes, and Dale W. Griffin also explain the findings of the effect of positive illusions in relationships in their article, "The Benefits of Positive Illusions: Idealizations and the Construction of Satisfaction in Close Relationships." Despite the title, they also have negative effects. Counterpoint: Positive Illusions Can Be Negative Murray, Griffin, and Holmes write about the flip side of positive illusion and how it can hinder relationships in their other article, “The Self-Fulfilling Nature of Positive Illusion.” Illusions in Romantic Relationships: Love is not blind, but prescient.”