We live in a competitive society that seeks to profit from our insecurities and imperfections. This means that when we inevitably struggle and feel bad, we often blame ourselves and think something is wrong with us. Yet we often have very good reasons for feeling bad or having a hard time. In this episode, clinical psychologist and abnormal psychology professor Ryan Barbeau and I discuss the power of validating difficult experiences and feelings. We discuss how human distress may be a healthy response to an unhealthy society, environment, or situation. We also talk about how the desire to be perfect causes suffering, ultimately making happiness and enjoyment more elusive.