Definition
Sentimentalism is the tendency to indulge in excessive sentiment or emotion, often in a superficial or unrealistic way. Think of those movies that try too hard to make you cry. 😭 It involves an overemphasis on feelings, sometimes at the expense of reason or logic. It suggests a fondness for idealized versions of reality. Unlike genuine emotion, sentimentalism can feel forced or contrived. It can also manifest as a nostalgic longing for the past. It's the opposite of realism, cynicism, or detachment.