imperfections for recognition

imperfection
why do we highlight the imperfections
both in other people and ourselves.
i've heard a number of times
voicing our imperfections and
making known the things we lack
in the wrong environment
truly reveals the yearn and the desire for the sitter to "say" otherwise,
to hear words of encouragement or
to hear people say we're wrong, it isn't so, you're not like that.
when and how do we know where the line is drawn,
it's true. many a time although we may in part believe in what we complain about,
think hard, be real, don't lie:
it's cause we want to hear otherwise.
to hear in fact, it is not so.
so then again i ask the question,
where is the line to be drawn
between our true intentions and what comes out of our mouths
it's transparent, see-through,
the motivations.
where is the line? how do we know?