it might be a bit complicated to differentiate, but i believe to truly understand how you feel about a person, you need to know them. if you’re okay with the flaws they’ve never shown, if you embrace their imperfections and even grow to like them more, then you can confidently say that you really like the person. however, if their true self leaves you “a bit disappointed,” then i suppose it’s safe to say that you only like the idea of that person.