In his book ¿ Enamorados o esclavizados? (Enamored or Enslaved?), psychologist explores the thin, often blurred line between healthy romantic love and emotional dependency. The central theme is a critique of the "romantic myths" that lead individuals to sacrifice their identity, dignity, and freedom in the name of love. The Illusion of "One Flesh"
Riso posits that true freedom in love comes from the realization that while the partner is a source of joy, they are not the source of one’s existence. By eliminating the "need" for the other, the "desire" for the other becomes more authentic. The Cost of Slavery Enamorados O Esclavizados Walter Riso pdf
Riso argues that traditional romanticism often promotes the idea of fusion—that two people must become one to be truly in love. He suggests that this pursuit of "total union" is a trap that leads to emotional slavery. When a person begins to live through their partner, they lose their own essence, turning the relationship into a parasitic bond rather than a partnership of two autonomous individuals. Love Without Attachment In his book ¿ Enamorados o esclavizados