Who doesn’t know it, the look in the mirror? Is he scrutinizing, superficial, admiring, appreciative, or even critical? But there is makeup for the skin and for the soul. There are Instagram and FB.
Illusions are often associated with positive attributions. I also think they’re good if they don’t wholly supplant reality. So I rather think of Huxley, who said: “Nothing keeps us from illusions as thoroughly as a look in the mirror.”
Hence a tip dear readers. Take a closer look. If you are doing well, you are comfortable and satisfied with it, and not freaking out in horror or enthusiasm for what you see, then everything is fine.