Fear of criticism/upsetting others?
Hello, does anyone else have this?
I've come off my medications completely after getting some really intrusive thoughts around 2 months ago, but have found I'm getting a lot more worries about things in day to day life (with a bit more depression).
But one of the things I seem to have is a general fear of upsetting others or putting myself in a position where I could be criticised. For instance, when out driving sometimes I feel that maybe I'm somehow inconveniencing somebody else if they come up behind me on a single carriageway road (usually I go at the speed limit or sometimes slightly above) but I still worry that somehow I'm 'frustrating' their progress.
For instance I was coming home on an A road tonight doing between 60 and 65 when somebody overtook after being behind for about a mile - they gave a quick flash of the hazards after they had passed - I don't know whether it was because I lowered my headlights to standard beam from full beam (and was thus saying thanks) or whether he did it because he was annoyed at having to go slower than he wanted to - I worry incase it was the latter.
I also don't like putting myself in any kind of position of responsibility or a position where I could be forced to argue with or confront somebody.
I guess it mostly comes down to self esteem issues and lack of confidence - some people seem to be able to cope with criticism and are assertive enough to know when they are in the right...does anyone have any hints at how to improve self-esteem/assertiveness and cope with any perceived criticism better? I'd prefer not to have to go back on any kind of meds!
Thanks!
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