Euphoric Recall is a form of selective memory in which one remembers the positive aspects of an experience while minimizing the negative.
Euphoric recall is a form of bias that enables us to focus on the "good stuff" while whitewashing or conveniently forgetting the bad. In a narcissistic relationship, this can cause us to yearn for the intoxicating highs of the love bombing phase when the narcissist was on their best behavior: attentive, affectionate, caring, and kind. We cling to these memories in hopes that the relationship can return to those good ol' days.
Unfortunately, this romanticizing of a currently bad situation leads to denial and a disconnect with reality, aka cognitive dissonance. This confusion and uncertainty enables us to stay in abusive relationships, as we tolerate and justify the narcissist's bad behavior in hopes that the seemingly loving person we fell for in the beginning will return once again. This can make it difficult to break free from these toxic relationships and can tempt us to go back to an abusive situation with an abusive ex.
Accepting that the idealization stage of the relationship was merely the narcissist's way of setting the stage to hook us into their web of abuse is an important step to breaking free. Facing reality is challenging and painful—but it's necessary if we're to escape the clutches of a wolf in sheep's clothing.