Plato once wrote that in order for any of us to achieve perfection, we’d first have to transcend the imperfection of reality. Yet here we are, believing that perfection isn’t just possible; it’s mandatory! And who can blame us?
The word “perfect” gets thrown around so casually, as in, Isn’t she/he/it just perfect?... I’m going to find the perfect job/house/partner… or It won’t be done until it’s perfect. And the image of so-called perfection is like a dangling golden carrot at every click or scroll. We long to emulate those silky-skinned celebrities, even if it means airbrushing our own snaps to meet the fantasy. Those well-curated Instagram smiles tease us into thinking that everyone else is living in some elusive eternal bliss. Then again, who’s going to post a close-up of their heat rash or an action shot of their child mid-tantrum? I mean, let’s get real… not!