Psychologist Pilar Sordo: 'Comparison robs you of authenticity'

Chilean psychologist and writer Pilar Sordo believes human relationships are not spontaneous but require continuous effort and self-awareness. She stated, "Relationships are worked on, they are not spontaneous." Sordo explained that authentic connections thrive on honest, compassionate communication and active listening, enabling mutual growth. However, she cautioned that authenticity does not mean unfiltered speech, stressing that "honesty must be associated with prudence."

The psychologist identified a significant contemporary challenge: a disconnect from oneself. According to Sordo, this lack of self-knowledge prevents individuals from forming genuine external relationships. Factors like information overload, stress, and social media pressure intensify this issue. She highlighted that constant comparison is a direct threat to personal identity, stating, "Comparison is an element that robs you of authenticity." This societal pressure to conform to external standards, she explained, erodes one's core essence. Furthermore, Sordo criticized the illusion of perfection presented on digital platforms, noting that this dynamic contributes to elevated anxiety levels.

Sordo also commented on technology's impact, particularly social media algorithms that limit users' worldviews by showing only what they prefer, thereby narrowing their perspectives. To counteract this, she proposed daily silence and self-observation, encouraging individuals to check in with their feelings multiple times a day to identify emotional or physical patterns. "Mental health depends on your internal dialogue," she asserted. Modifying one's internal language, she added, is crucial for achieving greater stability.

Reflecting on happiness, Sordo defined it as mental peace and the absence of inner turmoil. This state, she suggested, is cultivated through small, daily decisions, such as living consciously and exponentially. She recalled her grandmother, who lived to 103 without modern anxieties, by focusing on her own growth rather than external influences.