"hard work always works!" "these aren't flaws they're quirks." "i WILL get the glory." we tell ourselves these stories
"this is the best i could have possibly done." "i've worked so hard i deserve some fun!" "it's none of my business, why should i care?" these make our lives easier to bear
"it's not my fault, others are to blame." "say what you like, you're all the same." "in the first place...this never mattered." and so when our illusions are shattered
"i tried so hard, it should have been mine!"
"there's nothing wrong, everything's fine."
"nobody believes i was the good guy..."
a little part of us dies