[몰입노트25화] 결점 때문에 불안한 사람들에게

영어 에세이

Nobody is perfect.

Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. And as we grow closer to someone, we inevitably begin to notice their vulnerable spots.

Mijin worries that if people learn about her flaws, they might look down on her—or even use those weaknesses against her in an argument. She feels it’s safer to hide the parts she’s insecure about and only show her strengths. But she’s not alone. Many of us are concerned about how we appear to others. We present our best selves because we want to be seen in a positive light, and sometimes we even exaggerate our achievements to seem more impressive than we are.

But the truth is, people don’t think about her as much as she fears. Most are too busy navigating their own lives, more focused on themselves than on her imperfections. Yes, there may be rare moments of careless gossip, but she needs to remember this: in a healthy relationship, the other person won’t weaponize her flaws. They’ll try to understand them—and even stand beside her through them.

In the end, what matters is not hurting ourselves with unrealistic expectations about how others see us. We simply need to find a more balanced way of living, one that isn’t entirely centered on self-protection.

There’s a saying that captures this well:

“What you hide controls you;

what you face can change you.”

Imperfections aren’t threats.

They’re invitations—to grow, to connect, and to live a little more honestly.

* weaponize (말,약점,감정 등을)무기삼아 공격하다.