Treating someone like a god implies giving them an almost divine level of reverence, admiration, and loyalty. It involves placing them on a pedestal and believing they can do no wrong, often elevating their status far beyond that of a normal human being. While it can sometimes be rooted in deep respect or love, it can also lead to unhealthy dynamics where one person is overly idealized or blindly followed.

This treatment can occur in various contexts—personal relationships, celebrity culture, or even in work environments. But what does it really mean to treat someone like a god, and what are the potential consequences?

Characteristics of Treating Someone Like a God

1. Unquestioning Admiration
   When you treat someone like a god, you admire them without question. Their words and actions are seen as infallible, and you may even start to believe that they are somehow above others in terms of wisdom, talent, or morality. This level of admiration can cause people to overlook flaws or harmful behaviors.Example: In romantic relationships, treating a partner like a god could involve seeing them as perfect. Even when they make mistakes, the person might excuse their behavior or refuse to believe they are capable of doing wrong. This can lead to an imbalanced dynamic where one partner has disproportionate control over the other.
2. Complete Devotion
   Treating someone like a god often means devoting your time, energy, and resources to them, sometimes at the expense of your own well-being. You might sacrifice your own needs or desires to please them, believing that their happiness and approval are of utmost importance.Example: In a workplace, an employee who idolizes their boss might work long hours, go above and beyond their duties, and never say no to requests, even when it negatively affects their personal life. They may believe that pleasing their boss is more important than their own boundaries or health.
3. Blind Loyalty
   Loyalty is an admirable quality, but when it becomes blind, it can be damaging. Treating someone like a god means following them without questioning their actions or motives. This can lead to situations where unethical or harmful behavior is tolerated because of the unwavering loyalty.Example: In celebrity culture, fans may treat their favorite stars like gods, defending them no matter what they do. Even if a celebrity is involved in a scandal or makes problematic statements, their fans might refuse to acknowledge their faults, offering unwavering support despite clear evidence of wrongdoing.
4. Dependency
   When someone is treated like a god, those around them may become emotionally or psychologically dependent on them. The “godlike” figure is seen as a source of strength, wisdom, or validation, leading others to rely on them for guidance in every aspect of life.Example: A child who treats a parent like a god might feel unable to make decisions without their parent’s approval, even as they grow older. The parent becomes the ultimate authority, and the child might lack confidence in their own judgment because they have been conditioned to always defer to the parent.

The Consequences of Treating Someone Like a God

While treating someone with great respect can be positive, elevating them to godlike status can have negative repercussions:

1. Power Imbalances
   When one person is treated as though they are infallible, it creates a power imbalance in relationships. The person being idolized may come to expect constant admiration and devotion, which can lead to manipulative or controlling behavior.
2. Loss of Self
   For the person doing the idolizing, treating someone like a god can result in losing their sense of identity. Their desires, opinions, and needs may take a backseat as they prioritize the other person. Over time, this can lead to a lack of independence and personal fulfillment.
3. Disappointment
   No human is perfect, and treating someone like a god sets them up for inevitable failure. When they show their flaws—as all humans do—it can be devastating for the person who idealized them. This disappointment can damage the relationship and lead to feelings of betrayal.
4. Unrealistic Expectations
   The person being treated like a god may feel immense pressure to live up to the unrealistic expectations placed upon them. Constantly being seen as perfect can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout as they try to maintain this image.

How to Avoid Treating Someone Like a God

1. Recognize Flaws: Understand that everyone has flaws, including the people you admire. Acknowledge that they will make mistakes, and be willing to accept those imperfections.
2. Maintain Boundaries: It’s essential to have clear personal boundaries, even in close relationships. Don’t sacrifice your own needs or well-being for the sake of someone else’s approval.
3. Encourage Equality: Aim for balanced relationships where both parties are seen as equals. Respect, admiration, and loyalty should go both ways, without one person being placed on a pedestal.
4. Value Yourself: Remember that your own thoughts, opinions, and desires matter just as much as anyone else’s. Don’t let admiration for someone lead you to downplay your own worth.

Conclusion

Treating someone like a god involves idealizing them to the point of seeing them as infallible, devoting yourself to them, and often losing your own sense of self. While admiration and respect are healthy in relationships, going to the extreme of idolization can lead to power imbalances, dependency, and disappointment. It’s important to recognize the humanity in others, including their flaws, and strive for relationships where both parties are treated with mutual respect and equality.