How a Supposed Compliment Permanently Changed The Way I Live | by Basina Suraj | ILLUMINATION | Oct, 2025
Last year, I had the shock of my life. Let me say, a reality check. What was intended as an innocuous compliment nearly brought me to tears.
These were the exact words. “You are so perfect, you never make mistakes.” I reacted with a fake smile, but the hurt was real and brutal. His words deeply offended me.
You will think this wasn’t anything offensive. Yet, I felt uneasy, and what appeared to be a bright, beautiful morning turned out to be a dark one for me.
A lot of silly thoughts kept pouring through my mind after he paused, but one stood out: I wasn’t behaving like a human enough. How on earth can human beings be so perfect?
Somehow, I had perfected the art of hiding my weaknesses so well that I looked flawless. I tried to steer clear of difficult discussions and disagreements. I rarely solicited help, even when confronted with difficulties.
This created the illusion that I had it all together. That every sphere of my life was perfect. That was never the case.
As for me, I wanted a life with less trouble. I never wanted to share the weight of my burden with friends and loved ones. I thought I was shielding them from my failures and disappointments.
Unfortunately, some saw it in a different light. Being perfect and faultless almost equates you to a bot. As if to say you lack emotions or anything close to that.
Honestly, it hurts a lot to hear such a description of yourself.
I don’t know the imperfections you’re concealing or the tears you’re holding back, but I don’t hold on to mine anymore.
You don’t even have to do anything extraordinary. Just embrace your truth, and you are ready.
It’s normal to say no, to disappoint people, and to fail them. There’s no need to please anybody; be yourself.
It’s okay to make mistakes, to have flaws, to be overcome by your emotions.
It’s human to cry, to be vulnerable, and to lose yourself from time to time.
It’s okay to share the weight of your stress, frustrations, and setbacks with friends and family because that’s what they are there for.
I have learned to accept and embrace my shortcomings and hope this story fills you with the courage to face yours as well.
