Fortunata syndrome or loving the forbidden man

Fortunata syndrome derives its name from a novel by Benito Pérez Galdós, titled “Fortunata and Jacinta”. The work was written in the 19th century and was made into a film in the 1970s. The characters in this story have great psychological depth, which is why they have given rise to naming a phenomenon of this nature in love relationships.

The novel narrates the relationships stormy events between a man, Juanito Santa Cruz, and two women: Jacinta and Fortunata. The first is the wife and the second is her lover. In turn, Fortunata becomes a prostitute and later marries Maximiliano. However, the relationship between Fortunata and her lover continues over time and she has two children by him.

The most interesting thing about the novel is not the plot itself, but the treatment of the psychology of each of the characters. In particular, Fortunata would represent that type of women who are adept at maintaining relationships with married men. Hence, those who behave like this are said to have Fortunata syndrome.

Characteristics of Fortunata syndrome

Fortunata syndrome cannot be considered a disorder or an illness. Rather, it is a relatively abnormal condition that afflicts some women. They feel greater attraction and interest in men who are already married.

The main features of a woman who presents Fortunata syndrome are the following:

experience a feeling of very strong, unconditional and deep love towards a man who is already married.Basically she is not capable of feeling attraction for other men. The woman is always willing to do anything for the man she loves.She is convinced that life has no meaning without that man committed to the one she loves. She feels that she has a “right” to that man, that he is the one who prefers her to her. She wants to have children with the man in question.He has ambiguities regarding the woman with whom this man has a commitment. Sometimes she is empathetic and other times she hates her. She constantly fantasizes about a future with the man she loves.

Synthesizing all this, it can be said that whoever experiences Fortunata syndrome deeply loves a committed and He feels that this love is unrealizable due to the presence of another woman, who is his legitimate partner..

What is behind Fortunata syndrome?

The first love triangle experienced in life takes place at a very young age. Freud built on him the so-called “Oedipus Complex.”. Under this, children would experience attraction for the mother, unconsciously wishing to take the other parent’s place.

Thus, the boy wants to displace the father and the girl, the mother (Electra complex). Such a complex must be resolved through the interdiction or prohibition of incest.. That is, through the acceptance of reality and the renunciation of incestuous desire. All of this takes place in the unconscious.

Fortunata syndrome indicates a lack of resolution of the oedipal conflict. For every man and woman, their adult partners recreate in some way the father or mother who was their first and great love. The usual thing is that in that couple the conflicts, expectations and desires that were held as a child with the parent of the other sex are projected.

If “the Oedipus” has been resolved, the bonds of the adult couple would have healthier features. If this is not overcome, some conditions of that first love triangle will tend to be recreated.. The woman, then, would feel more attracted to married men, like her father was. And she will feel that another woman is the source of all her frustrations, as was the case with her mother, who prevented the realization of the Oedipal desire.

Aspects to consider

In addition to the possible permanence of this unconscious conflict, When a woman has Fortunata syndrome, it is also common for her to manifest certain traits. of character. These have to do with great difficulties in valuing oneself and recognizing one’s feelings.

Typically, women who are attracted to committed men have also been raised in patterns of dependency. In addition, They usually give great value to sacrifice and interpret it as a sign of love. It is also common for them to have poor self-esteem and idealize love. They overvalue it and see in it a source of redemption for any suffering.

Women who have Fortunata syndrome want to beat the mother of their childhood, beating the wife of the man they love.. They don’t do it consciously. They experience it as something impossible to resist. They usually end up suffering a lot and experiencing great frustrations. In these cases, psychotherapy is one of the best answers.

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