Do you often put yourself on the back burner, looking out for other people’s interests, or avoid facing the truth? We have collected the most typical examples of situations in which we betray ourselves and invite you to share your stories in the comments.
1. NOT ACCEPTING YOUR MISTAKES
Mistakes are part of life: they help us learn and grow. However, when a person fails to recognise and learn from their failures, they betray themselves. We give up the opportunity to become better and grow – because of this, we keep making the same mistakes, facing unpleasant consequences.
2. INABILITY TO DEFEND ONE’S INTERESTS
Failing to advocate for our rights and interests can lead to others taking advantage of us. We may fear conflict or not know how to properly express our needs and wants, which in turn can lead to a loss of self-esteem and feelings of helplessness.
3. IGNORING ONE’S EMOTIONS
Ignoring or refusing to accept our own emotions and feelings can lead to an accumulation of stress and dissatisfaction with ourselves, affecting both our daily lives and communication with loved ones, as well as our mental health.
4. DEPENDENCE ON OTHER PEOPLE’S OPINIONS
Over-dependence on the opinions of others can lead to a loss of our own individuality and a rejection of our own ideas and views. We start to focus on other people’s opinions instead of listening to our own feelings and thoughts. This can make us feel like we are living someone else’s life instead of our own, which we don’t really like.
5. FEAR OF CHANGE
Fear of change in life can cause us to turn down new opportunities and prospects, even if they may lead to a better future. This can be due to insecurity, fear of the unknown or unwillingness to step out of our comfort zone. Such feelings can, on the one hand, protect us from rash actions, but on the other hand, they can endanger us and deprive us of opportunities for development.
6. INABILITY TO SAY ‘NO’
Giving up our wants and needs for the sake of others can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and disappointment in ourselves. We may begin to feel that our own needs and wants are not important and this can have a negative impact on our emotional state. In addition, the inability to say ‘no’ can be taken advantage of by others – and it is not certain that their actions will not harm you.
7. AVOIDING RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR DECISIONS
Responsibility is the ability to take responsibility for the actions we have taken. When we shift responsibility to others, we give up our autonomy and ability to make decisions. This can lead to a loss of self-confidence and insecurity, and it destroys the trust others around us have in us.
8. GIVING UP OUR INTERESTS
Interests and hobbies are what bring us joy and fulfilment. When we sacrifice them for other people or circumstances, we are betraying ourselves because we are not paying attention to our own needs. This can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and disappointment in ourselves.