I agree. Many people, especially men like me take a spartan view of this path of self-improvement. The person in question is in denial. Gently assuaging their f

I agree. Many people, especially men like me take a spartan view of this path of self-improvement. The person in question is in denial. Gently assuaging their fears with a slightly inaccurate, yet healthier view of things is more beneficial. When your demons are plain to see like alcoholism, you can frame progress constructively as an upward struggle against it. When your demons are lurking beneath the surface, they cannot be fought upfront. The observer might want to take them 'downstairs' to address the demons, but the affected person themselves might feel like the ground under them is crumbling while they have a noose around their necks.