Cognitive dissonance is the psychological distress that happens when two conflicting truths exist at the same time. You know something is harmful. You’re still emotionally attached to it. The tension comes from trying to hold both. This is often spoken about in unhealthy relationships. Cognitive dissonance within a realatiobship can make us downplay harmful behavior, focus on potential instead of patterns, and struggle to leave even when the harm is rationally understood. This is not denial or w