Ignoring the Truths for Temporary Happiness

Ignoring truths for temporary happiness is a common human tendency. But it’s not always the best way to cope with difficult situations. In this article, we’ll explore some of the reasons why people might choose to ignore the truth in pursuit of temporary happiness.

Reasons why we Ignore the Truths for Temporary Happiness:

1. Too painful to confront.

When faced with difficult or uncomfortable truths, it’s tempting to deny them to avoid emotional pain. This can provide temporary relief, but it’s not healthy or sustainable.

According to Dr. Brené Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston, “We often choose short-term comfort over long-term growth because it’s simply too painful to confront the truth. It requires a level of vulnerability and courage that can be terrifying.” It allows us to avoid facing difficult emotions or situations. However, this avoidance ultimately hinders personal growth and can lead to more pain in the long run.

2.  Fear

People may ignore the truth because they are afraid of the consequences of facing it. For example, they might be afraid of change or of the emotional pain that comes with acknowledging the truth. This fear can be especially strong if the truth threatens to disrupt their current way of life or if it requires them to confront difficult emotions or circumstances.

According to psychological theories, one reason why we may ignore the truth in favor of temporary happiness is because we are afraid of facing the reality of a difficult or unpleasant situation. This fear can be rooted in a variety of underlying concerns, such as a fear of the unknown, a fear of change, or a fear of the potential consequences of acknowledging the truth. In order to avoid these fears, we may choose to ignore the truth and instead focus on the temporary comfort that happiness can provide. However, this avoidance of the truth can ultimately lead to long-term suffering and a lack of fulfillment in life.

3. Sense of comfort and familiarity.

Facing the truth often requires change and can be unsettling, so it’s easier to ignore it and stay in a familiar, comfortable place. This is especially true if the truth threatens to challenge our beliefs, values, or worldview.

According to social psychologist Leon Festinger, humans have a natural tendency to seek out and maintain consistency in their beliefs, values, and actions. This need for consistency is known as cognitive consistency theory. We ignore truths that challenge our beliefs or values to maintain cognitive consistency, even if it’s temporary. It helps us feel comfortable and familiar by allowing us to continue to behave and think predictably. It prevents us from facing challenges, learning from new experiences, and adapting to new situations in healthy and productive ways.

4. Ego

Sometimes people ignore the truth in order to protect their ego. They may be afraid of being wrong or of admitting that they made a mistake. This can be especially true if the truth exposes their flaws or weaknesses.

According to psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, the ego is the part of the mind that mediates between the demands of the id (the unconscious, primal desires), the superego (the moral and ethical component), and the external world. The ego helps us to navigate the complex social and personal demands of everyday life, and it protects our sense of self. In order to protect the ego, we may ignore truths that challenge our sense of self or that threaten our self-esteem. By ignoring truths, we can maintain a positive self-image and avoid feelings of shame, guilt, or inadequacy. Ignoring truths can provide temporary happiness, but it can also prevent us from being honest with ourselves and others, and from facing challenges and growing as individuals.

5. Wishful Thinking

People may ignore the truth because they want something to be true, even if the evidence suggests otherwise. This type of thinking can be tempting because it allows individuals to escape from difficult situations or emotions in the short term. However, wishful thinking can ultimately lead to disappointment and disillusionment when temporary happiness is replaced by the harsh realities of the world. It is important to face and confront the truth, even when it is difficult, in order to find true happiness and fulfillment.

6. To avoid change

Ignoring truths for temporary happiness is often a way to avoid change because change can be difficult, uncomfortable, and uncertain. It requires us to confront difficult realities and confront the fear of the unknown. It may also require us to make difficult decisions, take risks, and challenge our beliefs and assumptions. Ignoring truths can maintain a sense of stability and comfort, even if it is only temporary. We may also ignore truths because we have become accustomed to certain patterns of behavior or ways of thinking, and changing these patterns can be difficult and require a lot of effort. Ultimately, ignoring truths for temporary happiness is a way to avoid facing difficult challenges and making difficult decisions, but it can also prevent us from making positive changes and achieving long-term happiness.

7. To avoid disappointments

To avoid disappointment, some ignore truths to find temporary happiness. When faced with difficult or unpleasant truths, it can be tempting to avoid them. This allows us to feel good in the short term. But it also means that we are avoiding the reality of the situation. This is especially true when we don’t want to face or accept the truth. By ignoring the truth, we may be able to avoid the disappointment and discomfort that would come with acknowledging it. However, this approach does not address the underlying issue and can ultimately lead to greater disappointment in the long term.

8. To avoid confrontation

Ignoring truths for temporary happiness is often a way to avoid confrontation because confrontation can be difficult, uncomfortable, and even intimidating. It may require us to challenge someone else’s beliefs, opinions, or actions, and this can be challenging and potentially risky. Ignoring truths can avoid confrontation and maintain a sense of peace and harmony, even if it is only temporary. We may also ignore truths because we fear the consequences of confrontation, such as damaging a relationship, facing criticism or judgment, or feeling vulnerable. Ultimately, ignoring truths for temporary happiness is a way to avoid difficult conversations and confrontations. But it can also prevent us from addressing important issues and resolving conflicts in a healthy and productive way.

9. To maintain Relationships

Ignoring truths for temporary happiness helps maintain relationships, which can provide support, connection, and fulfillment. We may ignore truths to preserve a relationship, even if it compromises our values or beliefs. By ignoring truths, we can avoid conflicts and maintain temporary harmony and understanding. We may ignore truths because we fear confrontation’s negative effects on relationships, hurt feelings, or rifts. Ignoring truths for temporary happiness may preserve relationships. It can prevent us from being honest with ourselves and others and from resolving conflicts healthily.

10. To Preserve Self-Image

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many reasons why people might choose to ignore the truth for temporary happiness. While it’s natural to want to avoid difficult truths, it’s important to remember that facing the truth, even when it’s painful, is ultimately more fulfilling and can lead to long-term happiness and growth.