I heard in a podcast somewhere (maybe Rogan) that human beings aren't built to look in the mirror as much as we currently do. It goes against our nature and is apparently messing with our wiring, hence part of the anxiety (interesting to note it's not all societal standards).

You're a beautiful writer, Eric. I love this in particular

Each word and act
is a thinly veiled memoir
that is either disingenuous,
reeking of some
shallow sophistication,
or clear-eyed

Clear-eyed or disingenuous is an interesting distinction, I think. :)