Sentimentalizing

Sentimentalizing refers to the act of indulging in or expressing excessive feelings of tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia, often to an exaggerated or unrealistic degree. It involves viewing the past or present through rose-tinted glasses, attributing idealized qualities to people, places, or events, and often prioritizing emotion over rational judgment. This process can lead to a distorted perception of reality, romanticizing negative experiences, and potentially hindering personal growth by avoiding confronting the complexities of life. It often involves recalling events with an emphasis on emotion, possibly neglecting the context of the past or other important elements. It is also marked by an overuse of emotionally charged language and a tendency to focus on the positive aspects of a situation while suppressing negative ones.

Sentimentalizing meaning with examples

• After watching the old war films, he started sentimentalizing about his grandfather's military service, ignoring the harsh realities of combat. His romanticized view disregarded the trauma he experienced. It turned his view of war into something beautiful. He started using flowery and emotional language.
• She caught herself sentimentalizing over her childhood home after its sale, conveniently forgetting the arguments and financial struggles. She began to idealize the memories. All of this led her to remember only positive feelings. She forgot about what she considered negative things from when she was a child.
• The author's writing, while initially touching, veered into sentimentalizing when describing the protagonist's tragic past, making the story feel emotionally manipulative. He focused his emotions on the pain and ignored what caused it, but instead focused on making the protagonist a victim in the eyes of the reader.
• The museum exhibit was criticized for sentimentalizing history, focusing on the uplifting aspects of difficult events while glossing over the complexities and suffering involved. They focused on the heroes in order to create a more moving story. They neglected the pain of the real people who went through it.