Self-Deception

Self –Deception

From something as innocent as convincing yourself that you are the best at what

you do, to the immediate response of the unsuspecting person finding evidence of

unfaithfulness within their relationship, it seems almost natural to dismiss or excuse what

is known in order to cope or shield ourselves from the hurtful truth. Self-deception or

delusion is not only something we all participate in, some more than others, but some

believe it is actually necessary and beneficial to one’s mental and physical well-being.

Or is it?

Some would argue the happiest most productive people are the very same people

that have successfully convinced themselves of things that just may not be realistic, or

essentially the
As he makes his way to the

beautiful unsuspecting woman across the bar, he has told himself not only that he could

be a good match for her, but believes he could engage her in stimulating conversation,

possibly more. While you can’t blame a guy for trying, I’m sure for some men,

regardless of looks, hygiene, etc., this works some of the time. And when it doesn’t pan

out, it doesn’t seem to affect them because they have convinced themselves of their

otherwise charming personality and delusional regarding their appearance.

These examples of self-deceptions that are not potentially too harmful in my opinion, and

for some can be productive and even rewarding at times.

This sort of “gift “ of being able to mask our vulnerabilities with alternate realities and the evidence of it being beneficial to a happy lifestyle is

apparent even through experimentation.

In the 1970’s Psychiatrists Harold Sackeim and Ruben Gur came up with a self-

deception questionnaire which they took to local bars. There they asked rather