I grew up in a perfectionist and competitive environment. Its not that people were overtly negative to each other- but imagine if you only received compliments

I grew up in a perfectionist and competitive environment. Its not that people were overtly negative to each other- but imagine if you only received compliments that imply you were previously somehow inadequate- “did you lose weight” or “I like your new haircut”. You internalize that there is a very narrow path to being accepted by your community.