This is just begging the question, I think! Transference being real requires the idea that the caregiver is a blank slate onto which projection occurs.

Did you ever develop a crush on someone who had a big positive impact in your life? Sometimes it can be difficult to tell if those feelings are about the person or what they did for you.

If you don’t know the person all that well, it’s plain to see.

Did you ever develop a crush on someone you never really interact with, and who had no positive impact in your life? Perhaps someone who has had a less-than-positive impact?

You don't know the person that well.