Great topic! I'm especially interested in comparisons as a typet of coping mechanism. Perhaps this is similar to the point "Sometimes fundamental problems are too painful to face, so we look the other way". How often do we engage in comparison when something is bothering us? Perhaps comparison is a type of idealization that offers both escape and a simplistic solution or explanation for our suffering. "If I were just X, then I would be happy/comfortable/at ease" or "I'm just ugly, THAT'S the reason I don't have as many friends as X". We sort of feel like we're "solving a problem" when we think this way and it gives us temporary relief. Of course, as you mention, the problem isn't actually solved.
Great topic! I'm especially interested in comparisons as a typet of coping mechanism. Perhaps this is similar to the point "Sometimes fundamental problems are too painful to face, so we look the other way". How often do we engage in comparison when something is bothering us? Perhaps comparison is a type of idealization that offers both escape and a simplistic solution or explanation for our suffering. "If I were just X, then I would be happy/comfortable/at ease" or "I'm just ugly, THAT'S the reason I don't have as many friends as X". We sort of feel like we're "solving a problem" when we think this way and it gives us temporary relief. Of course, as you mention, the problem isn't actually solved.