Just my $0.02…

When we imagine experiences and conversations with people it feels real to our mind, as if these things actually happened. Do this for years and we build a significant amount of memories. We then project into the future and make those projections based on “past experiences” that were not real.

I believe we do this because it allows our mind to “escape”. It is like taking a drug. But, it is not a “relationship”. That would require acceptance and giving, none of which is happening when we are imagining in our head.

Take heart that when we do see the person they cannot live up to our expectations, and when anything does not meet our expectations we become angry.

My advice is to perform the Buddhist teachings to be present. It will be painful to lose the “imagination drug” but the “drug” is blocking us off to the sunlight of the spirit.