The phrase suggests an intense preoccupation with a fictional spouse identified numerically. This could manifest as a fixation on a character in a video game, a novel, or a digital simulation where spousal relationships are artificially constructed and personalized. An example might be an individual spending an inordinate amount of time and resources cultivating the relationship with this non-real partner, neglecting real-world responsibilities or relationships.
Such dedication to a virtual relationship may provide an escape from real-world loneliness, offer a sense of control and companionship absent in other areas of life, or fulfill unmet emotional needs. Historically, humans have projected emotions and attachments onto inanimate objects or fictional entities; this phenomenon represents a contemporary digital iteration of that tendency. The level of engagement, however, may raise concerns about psychological well-being and the individual’s ability to differentiate between fantasy and reality.
