The old saying “misery loves company” manifests itself when two people recognize their common misery due to dragging their past into the present. In their mutual delusion they might even admire each other as they despise what they recognize in the other as a mirror of themselves.

But, even in the best of times, as they think they’re living with each other in the present, they’re actually playing roles in each others past story.  So, a classical love/hate relationship ensues.

This is why you should seek out someone whose story is as different from yours as often as possible. It takes courage to embrace opposites, but it’s worth it.  It helps create a bulwark against further self-delusion.