We expose our innermost parts to others and hope they will accept and love us. If they don't, we close down a little,and each time we are rejected a little more. It is our fear that holds us back from passing the emotional tests of self. We expect perfection in the outside world or we demand it of ourselves. Perhaps we learned it from our parents or teachers, who criticized us so, so much we strove to be perfect at any cost to please them.
Perfectionism is a curse.
Ultimately life cannot be fully gratifying or appreciated if we don't become aware of our own inner power,our connection to the God Force. We have to let go of expectations and live the life destined for our own uniqueness. Peace comes only when we are true to our souls nature. Love is the strongest force in the universe. When given correctly,it unifies and builds,defends,protects.