Self-deceiving

Characterized by the act or state of deceiving oneself; the process of believing things that are not true, often to protect oneself from unpleasant realities or to maintain a positive self-image. It involves a conscious or unconscious distortion of facts, beliefs, or feelings, resulting in a false perception of the situation. Self-deception can manifest in various ways, including rationalization, denial, wishful thinking, and the selective interpretation of information. It can be a coping mechanism, but if persistent, it can hinder personal growth, damage relationships, and lead to poor decision-making. This differs from simply being wrong, in that there is an active effort, even if subtle, to maintain the falsehood.

Self-deceiving meaning with examples

• John, facing potential job loss, was self-deceiving himself into believing that his performance reviews were irrelevant. He reasoned that the company was simply going through financial difficulties, not that his shortcomings were a contributing factor. This allowed him to avoid the anxiety of job hunting and to maintain his high self-esteem in the short term, but it delayed crucial career adjustments. The delusion prevented him from facing his lack of skills.
• Sarah was self-deceiving when she maintained that her partner's suspicious behavior was due to a demanding work schedule, while ignoring clear signs of infidelity. By clinging to this narrative, she could avoid the painful reality of a broken relationship. Her selective blindness let her continue believing in the stability of their relationship, however false that had become, at the cost of her own emotional well-being.
• Despite overwhelming evidence of his unhealthy lifestyle, Mark was self-deceiving by claiming he was 'fine'. He downplayed his excessive drinking and lack of exercise, attributing his health problems to stress. This allowed him to avoid changing his habits, even though his health was progressively deteriorating. The avoidance of change meant he didn't experience the full extent of his physical issues. This would be a major issue.
• The politician, caught in a scandal, offered self-deceiving explanations, presenting a distorted view of his actions. He portrayed himself as a victim of circumstances, minimizing his involvement and denying any wrongdoing. This was an attempt to save face and maintain his public image, even though the truth was readily available. The misinformation campaign made his downfall happen even quicker.