We should not touch our idols: their gilding will remain on our hands.
But the disparaging of those we love always alienates us from them to some extent. We must not touch our idols; the gilt comes off in our hands.
Casting aspersions on those we love always does something to loosen our ties. We shouldn't maltreat our idols: the gilt comes off on our hands.
The denigration of those we love always detaches us from them in some degree. Never touch your idols: the gilding will stick to your fingers.