Because it is false it bears very little relation to what you really are. But because it imagines other people more competent than you, better looking than you and more intelligent, it seems to create an idealised image based on a fantasy of what you should be like to feel ok in the world. That idealised image will not let you win because it will always move the goal posts. No matter what you achieve, someone else will always be better at things than you are. It does not matter how much praise you receive, you do not feel that good about your achievements. It can even get to the stage you will feel embarrassed if your shoe laces come undone. It is not a case of simply stopping and retying them. You get frustrated first and only stop when the coast is clear. You have strayed from the path of perfection you laid down for yourself. This will always confirm your unworthiness to this imposter of an image. Thank goodness you are not that one. That one is a sad and doomed fellow, only suitable for the trash can. I am probably being a bit extreme with the shoe laces, but the perfection trap can stop us from trying new things and prevent us from enjoying the company of others, because not only do we want to know everything, we want to be the best conversationalist as well.
