See? You're completely justified in dumping that volunteer at the summer camp for foster kids with head trauma. Clearly his motives were ulterior — why the need to feel altruistic? What kind of messed-up narcissist is he? The worst kind, according to Science. The New York Times reports that the human capacity for denial keeps us infatuated with people who we'd realize are jerks if we'd just open our eyes: "Nowhere do people use denial skills to greater effect than with a spouse or partner . . . This typically involves a blend of denial and touch-up work — seeing jealousy as passion, for instance, or stubbornness as a strong sense of right and wrong." We knew there was something sinister about his strong moral compass. What a freak. Back to the dating pool! — Will Doig