Denial of Neuroses

The rock is smooth,

gleaming.

It is cool,

calming,

sensual,

perfect.

Playfully,

I flip it over
(!)

Creepy crawlies

beneath,

wiggling, wriggling.

Underneath.

There's where they hide.

Underneath.

*

Almost every kid whom I am tutoring now would claim that they know their subjects thoroughly.

'Any problems with your maths?'

'No problem. Okay. No worries.' (confident smile)

'Any problems with your Chem? Physics?'

'Okay. Can do.'

Naturally, I'd be comforted by their self-assured demeanor. Their cool, unflappable facades would quell any anxieties that I may have. That is before I ask some simple questions.

Further questioning would eventually lead to an understanding that they're either lying or in denial.

Lying would mean that they're actually aware of their woeful grasp of the subject but don't want me to know. These kids are actually embarrassed about their lack of knowledge, ashamed that they don't put in effort for their studies. It's easier to tutor them for they recognise that they have problems.

Those kids who deny their problems are more scary. Despite my best efforts, they'd continue to claim that there was nothing wrong with them. That they understand the topics sufficiently. That there's nothing wrong with their attitudes toward studying. That their approaches towards studying are flawless.

The amount of effort required to make them realise their own neuroses is tremendous. I really wonder how psychotherapists do it - to encourage people to face up to their faults so that healing can begin.