The world can be difficult sometimes. In response, we may cling onto all sorts of coping mechanisms. One mechanism in particular is distorting reality.
Distortions emerge when reality is too harsh for one to reconcile with. There often is a grain of truth in them, as they often originate from reality, even if they may not fully or accurately represent it.
People use distortions for several reasons:
It is unproblematic when people cling onto distortions for a short while, though it is a risky decision. Distortions of trivial matters may not be as problematic as distortions of less-trivial ones. The latter may subsequent more distortions. Furthermore, when such distortions are challenged by reality, emotional turmoil may emerge.
To rid oneself of distortions, one must first acknowledge that they hold distortions. Only then could one confront reality.