Posted by Pritzker on October 10, 2000, at 22:40:05
In reply to Walking on egg shells..., posted by Greg on October 2, 2000, at 8:17:20
> Greg,
I just discovered this service today and I posted a long e-mail under "Pritzker". Anyway, amazingly people actually responded to it. So, now I feel I should return the favor by posting follow-up to subjects I can respond to.
The same thing is happening to me where my parents are ashamed and feel a little tenative toward me. They just are so afraid of "pushing me over the edge" again. Luckily, I am not living with them, so their negativity is not affecting directly as much. But they are my parents, you know.
My advice: Believe in yourself. Let your positive feelings toward yourself radiate to those in your surroundings. The idea of psychotherapy is founded upon this outward radiation of newly gained self-esteem. In the practical setting, you could physically try to take a deep breath and then expel (symbolic of making a new presence) prior to your interaction with your families and friends. During your exchanges with your families and friends, remember to focus on the goal of presenting yourself in this new light and just let your internal emotions then carry you through the social exchanges.
I hope that makes sense, somewhat...
Cordially,
PritzkerDo any of you have family or friends that think you are incapable of handling the truth? Do they treat you like some kind of fragile figurine that will shatter into a million pieces if dropped? Do they choose their words so carefully that conversations are uncomfortable? This is happening to me.
>
> How do you convince these people that you want to be talked and treated like a "normal" human being? There are times when I can't handle certain conversations, but I'm completely capable of telling people that. I can say "I can't handle talking about this right now".
> Don't these people understand that sheltering me can make me feel even worse?
>
> If anyone else experiences this and/or has found an effective way to deal with it, I'd really like to hear about it.
>
> My philosophy is pretty simple, life goes on with you, without you or in spite of you. I'd prefer it go on with me.
>
> Greg
poster:Pritzker
thread:773
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20000813/msgs/950.html