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Unable to express myself authentically, it's as if others are my prison?

gratitude harsh treatment over-exertion romantic relationships authentic expression
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Unable to express myself authentically, it's as if others are my prison? By Anonymous | Published on December 18, 2024

If others are kind to me, I will be grateful and do anything for them. If others treat me harshly, I will work even harder to complete the task. If others scold me, I will feel that they are right.

Even in a romantic relationship, I repeat this pattern. I can't express myself authentically, I always think that others are right, and I always give of myself too hard and too much!

I'm so tired and exhausted. I've given too much for a relationship. Maybe it's been too long since I've been seen and loved. I feel like I have to push myself to the brink before I admit my true grievances! I just want to be seen!

I want to be myself! No longer trapped in relationships, no longer trapped by others!

I am free! Maybe I still lack a little courage and confidence at the moment!

Please help me, teachers!

Henry Oliver Lancaster-Davis Henry Oliver Lancaster-Davis A total of 4470 people have been helped

Hello, I'm June.

From your description, it's clear to me that you're an exhausted child crying hoarsely in an empty room.

I know I feel afraid of being left alone in a room and I feel dizzy and weak from crying so hard.

When others are kind to me, I am grateful and eager to go above and beyond for them. When others are harsh, I work harder to prove them wrong. When others scold me, I accept their feedback.

I repeat this pattern even in a client-consultant relationship. I can't express myself authentically, I always feel that others are right, and I always try too hard to give of myself.

Everyone has their own patterns in interpersonal relationships. Some people are warm and generous and used to taking care of others, while others are introverted and shy and used to following and catering to others. This is normal, and there is no absolute good or bad.

You are a considerate and caring person, and this is your strength. You should not feel tired because you are giving. You should feel tired because your efforts are not being recognized.

You need to ask yourself why it is that no one ever sees your efforts.

1. The other person is probably just used to your efforts.

It's like a mother who washes, cooks, and takes care of her child every day without fail. The child is used to being taken care of and easily ignores the mother's efforts.

I only realized how good my mother was and how I had neglected her when she suddenly passed away.

2. You need to accept that what you are giving may not be what the other person really needs.

For example, you have a friend who has just come from a long journey. They need a room where they can take a hot shower and get a good night's sleep, and they need it now.

You probably feel that this friend hasn't been seen for a long time and needs to be treated generously. You book a banquet at a high-end hotel and arrange for your closest friends to welcome him. However, the other person acts very coldly, as if they are not very grateful.

You gave her a lot, but those weren't her most pressing needs at the time.

3. Expressed needs are seen.

It's been too long since I've been seen or loved. I'm going to admit my true grievances, even if it means pushing myself to the brink. I want to be seen!

I am going to be myself! I am done being trapped in relationships and trapped by others!

I am free.

Your text reveals your inner longing and cries. You feel angry and aggrieved because your efforts are always overlooked.

Rest when you're tired. It's as simple as that. The mother mentioned earlier had it right.

A mother who does not tell her child when she is sick will exhaust her body.

A child will find it hard to accept when a mother tells of her grievances. This is because illness is a burden for the child.

Express your emotions when you feel aggrieved in a relationship. Everyone's experiences, roles, and perceptions are different, and unexpressed emotions are not visible to everyone.

In the counseling relationship, you must trust your counselor. You can express your grievances, anger, and disappointment without reservation. Your counselor will accept you with an accepting attitude and analyze the needs behind your emotions for you.

If you are a counselor, this should be the counter-transference in the counseling relationship. You must then explore whether there is still some trauma in the personal part that has not been repaired. You must go to a supervisor for analysis.

The above example may not be appropriate, but I hope it provides a useful reference point. Best wishes!

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Silviah Silviah A total of 1587 people have been helped

Greetings!

First and foremost, I extend my warmest wishes for a joyous new year! I have taken the time to carefully read your question.

This is an issue that arises during the process of personal growth.

I will endeavor to provide an analysis and offer counsel.

It is imperative to affirm self-awareness.

The questioner promptly identified the various situations in which he exhibited gratitude, resilience, and a willingness to exert considerable effort in the face of adversity, particularly when it was perceived that others were treating him unfairly.

First and foremost, this clear self-awareness represents a positive process of getting to know and accepting oneself.

The recommendation is to embrace this awareness, as it is the key to ultimately resolving the issue.

[Blurred sense of boundaries]

The situation described by the questioner includes a lack of honest self-expression, a tendency to defer to the opinions of others, and an inclination to over-extend oneself emotionally.

This is a prototypical manifestation of a blurred sense of boundaries. In psychological discourse, the term "sense of boundaries" refers to the internalized limits between individuals.

This signifies the ability to differentiate between one's own possessions and those belonging to others.

Those who lack a sense of boundaries are psychologically dependent on others and eager to gain approval from them to support their lives.

[Low self-esteem]

As the title character describes, "It has been an extended period of time since I have been observed, and an even longer period of time since I have received love and affection." "I simply wish to be seen! I wish to be myself!"

"No longer be constrained by relationships, nor by external influences."

The questioner's low self-esteem and dissatisfaction with themselves are the result of a number of factors.

Additionally, there are external pressures from various sources, including educators, peers, and even family members. These pressures can provide opportunities for personal growth and development.

In conclusion, self-development is incomplete without external input and perspectives.

[Problem-Solving Strategies]

Based on the aforementioned analysis, it is recommended that the questioner initially differentiate between the original family and other potential contributing factors, commence efforts to rectify any cognitive biases, and employ rational techniques to mitigate stress.

Secondly, it is advised that the questioner acknowledge their entitlement to define their own boundaries. They should then proceed to establish a set of principles and boundaries that are unique to them in their personal lives.

One must affirm oneself positively, trust one's own judgment, make decisions independently, and take responsibility for one's own life.

Thirdly, it is recommended that an assessment of the potential low self-esteem resulting from an overestimation of one's own abilities be conducted promptly, that professional psychological counseling be sought without delay, and that the underlying issues be resolved and the individual's self-esteem restored as soon as possible.

It is my hope that the aforementioned suggestions will prove beneficial to you.

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Oscar Oscar A total of 377 people have been helped

Hello! I'm Gu Yi. I'm a pretty modest and self-effacing person, and I try to be consistent.

Dear questioner, Happy New Year! Wishing you all the best in the year ahead.

Trying to please others is a way of trying to be seen, and that's okay!

From what you've told me, it seems like your confusion is mostly about how we act in different situations. It's natural to feel overwhelmed by how others act, even if we're used to it. It's a lot to take in!

I don't know what you've been through, sweetheart. If we could start all over again, we could rearrange our lives and find a rhythm that suits us, and feel more real in life.

It's so important to remember that whether others can see you is far less important than whether you can see yourself. Having a good understanding of yourself and knowing what you want from your relationships is key. This helps you understand your own feelings better and become the best version of yourself.

You can do it! Build your own core confidence.

Our relationship with the world comes from our perceptions, feelings, and reactions. It's so important to understand ourselves so we can become the best version of ourselves and have our own wonderful world.

It's so important to recognize our strengths and weaknesses, see what kind of person we want to become, and be able to discern the world's evaluation of it. This allows us to gain a better and more accurate understanding of ourselves, which is such a wonderful thing!

Once we've found our core self-confidence, we'll stop trying to please others so much. We'll start giving back to the world with a purpose.

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Blair Jameson Frost Blair Jameson Frost A total of 7366 people have been helped

Hello!

Your description shows you're feeling helpless and angry. I admire your courage in facing the problem and looking for a solution.

Your description is very distressing. I give you a warm hug!

If others are kind to me, I'll do anything for them. If they're harsh, I'll work harder. If they scold me, I'll feel they're right.

I can't express myself honestly. I always think other people are right and I always try to give too much of myself!

Why do you feel this way? When did it start?

When do you not feel this way? What do you do then?

Where do you feel this way?

What gives you strength? Why do you come here and talk about it when you're uncomfortable?

None of this is your fault. It may be related to your family of origin not feeling valued or secure.

It's okay to feel confused and inferior. These feelings are normal. When you recognize these feelings, you're already on the path to change.

I don't know your situation, but I have some advice for you.

First, learn to love yourself.

You feel you neglect yourself and don't love yourself enough. You care about other people's opinions and judgments, which puts you in a difficult position. Our relationships with ourselves and others are connected. If we don't love ourselves, how can others respect us?

Love yourself, no matter what.

It's easier said than done, but it's just a matter of growing up. It's okay to take it one step at a time.

Next, set some boundaries.

If you say that if someone is nice to you, you will do anything for them, and if they are not nice to you, you will think that you are not good, that is not right. Learn to set boundaries and say no to others to protect yourself.

Then, trust yourself.

If we don't have the strength or confidence, we'll be more likely to agree with others. This makes us vulnerable to being hurt. We have to believe that we will get better and be happier.

Finally, release emotions.

If you want to change, you have to let go of negative emotions. This will make you stronger.

Finally, you can seek help from professional counselors. They help us understand our subconscious and grow. Hopefully, this will help us continue to grow.

You can also study psychology to help yourself.

I recommend three books: Mr. Toad Goes to the Psychologist, The Story Box of the Psychologist, and The Courage to Be Disliked.

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Silas Silas A total of 7703 people have been helped

Good day. I am a coach at Xin Tan. I can help you with that. I see that your problem is that you cannot express yourself authentically. It seems as if other people are holding you back.

If others are kind to you, you will be grateful and go to great lengths to meet their expectations. If others are harsh, you will work harder to complete the task. If others are critical, you will accept their feedback.

In your professional relationships, you continue to exhibit this pattern. You are unable to express yourself authentically, consistently deferring to the opinions of others and investing too heavily in your interactions.

This self-image is a significant source of fatigue.

You have invested a great deal in this relationship. You feel that you may not have been seen or loved for a long time. You seem to have to push yourself to the limit before you admit your true grievances. You just want to be understood and seen. You want to be true to yourself. You don't want to be constrained by a relationship, or by other people. You want to be free to be yourself. But at the moment, you don't think you have the courage or confidence to do so.

1. Address the internal conflicts and contradictions.

The questioner's true self is crying out for freedom from the limitations of the ideal self and the courage to become a free and true self. However, the desire to be recognized, understood, and accepted by others often leads to unconditional agreement with others and a constant struggle to find one's own position.

The ambivalent conflict between wanting to implement change and being afraid to do so results in exhaustion and a sense of being worn out, as it leads to significant internal conflict.

Honey's ego theory identifies three forms of the ego: the ideal self, the real self, and the realistic self.

The real self represents an individual's inner strength and capacity for personal growth, as well as their potential self.

The ideal self is a concept that is not grounded in reality. It is an unattainable image that is not based on reality.

The true self is the culmination of an individual's actions and behaviors.

When there is a discrepancy between one's ideal self and their actual self, individuals often distance themselves from their authentic selves, belittling and rejecting their true selves in favor of an illusory image of perfection. When an individual is controlled by their ideal self, they may develop neurotic psychological problems, such as feeling the need to be highly qualified, polite, humble, or brave.

The individual will only feel balanced, harmonious, comfortable, and accepted by others when their real self is consistent with their ideal self and when their real self is expressed.

2⃣ The Causes of Your Interpersonal Relationship Patterns

Furthermore, the questioner is aware that his inclination to mirror the patterns of others is also evident in the counseling relationship. This phenomenon occurs in conjunction with and within various interpersonal relationships.

The original poster's inability to be true to himself and express his true will in relationships is likely due to the presence of deep-seated fears. These fears may have originated from the way he interacted with his family during his formative years.

The attachment patterns formed with parents in early years, along with perceptions developed in the primary family and personal experiences gained in social environments, influence adult relationships, including those with authority figures and interpersonal relationships in general.

Regardless of the situation, any choice comes with a price. In the case of wanting to be true to oneself, or wanting to be recognized, or being afraid of conflict, the underlying fear is that expressing one's true self will not be recognized and liked. This is the world of adults.

As we transition into adulthood, we must assume the risks and responsibilities associated with our decisions. This is a crucial step in the process of maturation. The path to growth is replete with joy, yet it is also accompanied by the anguish of loss. One of the objectives of psychological counseling is to equip individuals with the ability to assume accountability for their actions.

3⃣ Perception determines emotions and behavior.

Cognitive therapy posits that our emotional and behavioral responses are shaped by our perception of a given situation, rather than the situation itself.

When an unfavorable emotional state is experienced, it is beneficial to inquire of oneself, "What was my thought process?" This allows for a more objective evaluation of the thoughts themselves. If adjustments can be made to align thoughts with reality, a sense of comfort can be achieved.

To illustrate, on one occasion you once again accommodated the needs of others.

Please describe your thoughts while catering to others.

Please describe the emotions you are experiencing: happy, aggrieved, tired, or depressed.

Please describe the relationship between your thoughts and emotions.

Please provide any additional explanations you may have.

If you believe your thoughts will happen, or if you do not believe your thoughts will happen

Please provide evidence to support your idea and evidence to refute the opposing idea.

Please identify the potential negative consequences of this situation and describe how you would address them. Then, outline the optimal outcome and the most realistic one.

If a close colleague were in the same situation as you, what advice would you offer?

Please describe the methods you employ to improve your mood.

The aforementioned questions are designed to evaluate your thoughts. You may choose a few to evaluate according to the situation, or you can verify the objectivity and truth of your thoughts by conducting behavioral experiments.

In complex interpersonal relationships, it requires significant wisdom, courage, and strength to remain true to oneself. This is a challenging task. By aligning your actions with your true wishes and refraining from trying to please others, you can reinforce this behavior over time.

I hope you can resolve your issues soon. Best regards. Should you wish to communicate further, you can click below to find a coach to interpret, choose Q&A or Heart Exploration to chat with me one-on-one. Wishing you a Happy New Year.

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Felix Perez Felix Perez A total of 6054 people have been helped

Happy New Year! I really hope my answer can help you a little.

It's okay, take your time, be seen, be yourself, and gradually move towards freedom. This itself takes time and a process. Seeing is the beginning of healing. I believe that when you look back, you will realize that the present you is the beginning of moving towards your true self. You have already gained some courage and confidence, and that's great! As you gradually accumulate energy, you will slowly break free of this pattern and become more and more comfortable and relaxed in your relationships.

I'd love to offer you some advice!

It's so important to express your true self in a safe relationship. Give yourself the chance to be your true self!

You're the kind of person who goes the extra mile to show gratitude and do your best for those who are kind to you. And when someone is harsh, you work even harder to get the job done. When someone scolds you, you feel like they're right.

Even in your relationship with your counselor, you're still repeating this pattern. It's okay! You're just not quite there yet in expressing yourself authentically. It's natural to think that others are right and to try too hard to give of yourself.

I really hope you can feel some warmth and support. Reading your words, I also seem to see my former self. Later, I was able to gradually express myself authentically and respect my own feelings, rather than trying to please others. This was because in the counseling relationship and in the process of getting along with other counselor friends, I was able to express myself authentically. They did not judge or blame me, but helped me to see my own patterns, the reasons why I am the way I am, and gave me permission and acceptance, understanding and respect. And when I could express my true feelings and thoughts again and again, and be seen and healed again and again, I was also able to express myself more authentically and consistently. Gradually, as our interaction patterns changed, I was also able to start expressing myself authentically and consistently in other relationships, and also had the courage to face other people's unhappiness and dissatisfaction.

So, keep up the great work! Stay in counseling, share your feelings and thoughts with your counselor, and tell him or her about your biggest worries and feelings. Believe that your counselor will help you become the best version of yourself.

Take a moment to reflect on your personal growth journey. Take a deep breath and try to understand yourself better. You'll soon see why you have such a pattern.

Take a moment to think back to your childhood. Ask yourself if you had this pattern when you were young. At that time, the reason for presenting this pattern must have also brought benefits to you. It helped you gain your parents' approval and affection. It also helped you avoid their scolding and criticism. This was our defense mechanism when we were young. Now that we have grown up, we need to upgrade our defense mechanism. We don't need to rely on everyone around us to make ourselves feel good. We can live out our true selves. We will be able to attract people who truly support, like, and approve of us.

So, understand yourself and see that you have now grown up. We are not defined by the people around us, but by ourselves. You will find that when you can be your true self, those who like you, accept you, and understand you will still be by your side, while those who reject you, doubt you, and attack you will gradually distance themselves from you. You will receive more nourishment and support from your interpersonal relationships.

You've got this! Learn to see yourself, love yourself, and take care of your feelings, and you will gradually accumulate the courage and confidence to be yourself.

There's a great law in psychology that I think you'll find really helpful! It says that when we lack something within, we tend to look for it outside. So, if you want others to see and love you, the first thing you need to do is learn to see yourself and love yourself!

Taking care of your own feelings and expressing yourself authentically is the best way to see and love yourself.

I really think you'd benefit from reading "Rebuilding Your Life" and "Accepting Your Imperfect Self," as well as Mr. Zhou Fan's self-love course. When you can truly accept yourself unconditionally, care for yourself as a friend would, and be considerate and attentive, you'll find that when you start to love yourself, the whole world will come to love you too!

I hope this is helpful for you! Sending you lots of love!

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Kaitlyn Lisa Lee Kaitlyn Lisa Lee A total of 7966 people have been helped

Hello, host! I hope this message finds you well. I just wanted to send a quick note to express my sincerest thanks for your hospitality.

From what you have described, I get the impression that you have a kind and agreeable personality. This may sometimes lead you to feel responsible for other people's feelings, even when you have done nothing wrong. It's understandable that you value other people's feelings and thoughts highly, but it's also important to remember to take care of your own needs. If you don't express your thoughts and feelings, they can become suppressed, which can lead to difficulties in your relationships.

It might be helpful to consider that the character you develop at the moment is largely related to your family of origin. It's possible that your current self has formed a pattern of pleasing others because, in your opinion, doing so rarely causes conflict, and you are the only one who suffers. This may have led to the suppression of your true self, which could result in a sense of tiredness and a loss of joy in being yourself. It's understandable that your current self might want to make some changes so that you can dare to be yourself.

In this regard, I have also summarized some methods that I hope you will find helpful in alleviating the current situation.

(1) While it is important to maintain a positive relationship with friends, it is also okay to set boundaries and refuse requests that are unreasonable or not in line with your values. Instead of agreeing to everything, consider saying that you can refuse some requests at this time.

(2) Consider releasing some negative thoughts and feelings. You might try exercise, journaling, chatting, etc. It's okay to let go of some of those feelings.

(3) It may be helpful to consider that your true thoughts and feelings are also important. You may find it beneficial to express your thoughts and feelings more often to better alleviate your current situation.

(4) I would like to suggest a book to the original poster. It is called "The Courage to Be Disliked." I believe it can be a valuable resource for understanding your interactions with others.

(5) It is important to remember that feeling guilty after rejecting a friend is normal. It is also important to recognize that you are not responsible for everything that happens in your life. Instead, it is helpful to take a step back and love yourself more.

I hope the world and I can show you some love.

I would like to extend my best wishes to you.

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Laura Juliette Bryant Laura Juliette Bryant A total of 4945 people have been helped

It's actually pretty common to have an over-giving or over-appeasing relationship model. This is because in our Chinese-style education, we often see a scene like this: the mother always cooks the eggs well and peels the shells, leaving the daughter's favorite part, the white, and then eats the hard-to-swallow yolk or saves the best part for her children, and then eats the leftovers.

In Chinese families, parents are always self-involved, making themselves suffer. It's as if they've done a lot, but their children don't pay. Instead of feeling some love from their parents, they feel pressure and a sense of guilt. Gradually, when their children grow up, they will unconsciously imitate these behaviors. Then you will see that you have a tendency to overpay.

For instance, if someone compliments you, you'll want to work even harder and contribute your energy to make others happy. Similarly, if someone is unhappy, you'll worry that they'll be very disappointed and desperate with you. To avoid that, you'll try to make some changes yourself, wanting to give more and not let others down. You feel that others should be so harsh and critical of you.

Ultimately, you'll feel exhausted and like you're being held back by others. This can be really painful. Whether others treat you well or poorly, it can trigger a range of behaviors in you. Typically, these behaviors are driven by a desire to please others, not yourself. You've mentioned that you often overpay for certain behaviors.

It's like the self that's always ready to sacrifice for the sake of one's children, the self that sacrifices for their satisfaction. What do you think, is this good or bad for you?

If you keep going this way, when you eventually have to stand up for yourself, will you still be able to do it?

Maybe you want to be loved, but the best way to be loved is not to be paid or rewarded by others. You still want to be responded to and seen. I don't know if you were seen in your original family, and I don't know what your experiences were like. Perhaps those past experiences also had some necessary influence on your inner character.

I suggest you take the internal animal archetype psychological test to better understand your character and its weaknesses. We can make some adjustments, but don't overdo it. Try to understand yourself and be more gentle with others. You can't please everyone.

Other people may have some unfulfilled dreams as themselves, so how could they possibly want you to fulfill them? But they can't fulfill them either, so why should they let you fulfill them? This is also a very unfair thing. We can just relatively let ourselves receive some relatively fair treatment.

You can also find your own courage and insights into life. We can gradually build up our energy in our daily lives and collect moments that we can truly understand, rather than being accepted by the outside world because of certain conditions. In fact, as long as you haven't made a big mistake, you are usually accepted. I also recommend that you seek psychological counseling, where you can find your true self and not be burdened by the outside world. Best of luck.

What's the ZQ?

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Walter Walter A total of 1677 people have been helped

Good day, my name is Jialan.

From your description, it can be inferred that you possess a personality that is characterized by a tendency to please others. The formation of this personality trait can be attributed to a process of self-interpretation of external stimuli, shaped by the accumulated experiences of one's life. Prior to the emergence of effective feedback, this behavior pattern became firmly established.

The question thus arises as to how one might break the cycle, readjust one's behavior patterns, and readjust one's self-image.

First and foremost, it is a lengthy and incremental process, yet its impact is readily discernible.

To illustrate, the initial step is to become conscious of the behavior in question and to then cease and desist from ruminating on one's feelings and thoughts. Instead, one should inquire of oneself, "What would transpire if I were to refrain from engaging in that behavior?" Thereafter, one should take action to ascertain the consequences of not complying with the expectations of others.

The initial step is to learn to decline requests.

Secondly, it is advisable to inform those who reprimand you that you are disconcerted by their actions and that their conduct evokes a negative emotional response. It is important to clarify that your reluctance to engage in conflict is due to the value you place on the relationship.

The third step is to begin self-care, which can be initiated with simple actions such as offering oneself a smile, a hug, a compliment, an affirmation, or a reward.

Secondly, it is evident that you possess excellent observational skills, enabling you to discern your own behaviour patterns and identify their recurrence. This allows you the opportunity to implement a temporary halt in these patterns to facilitate necessary adjustments.

Ultimately, it is essential to be true to oneself. From this point forward, one can achieve this, gain recognition, and receive affirmation, while also developing greater courage. It is, therefore, recommended to persevere.

I extend my warmest wishes for a joyous Chinese New Year, along with good health and happiness.

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Courtney Courtney A total of 3205 people have been helped

Good day. I am Qu Huidong, a psychological counselor who employs visual imagery in my practice.

In the question, the author employed a multitude of exclamations marked by the interjection "ha." While reading, it seemed as though I could discern the author's genuine emotional state.

It is recommended that the subject vocalize their emotions.

Indeed, the questioner has already identified the underlying issue that is causing him distress: he has invested a great deal of effort and energy, yet has not received the love and recognition he craves.

The fundamental human requirements for love, attention, and approval do not necessitate external fulfillment; rather, they can be met through intrapersonal processes.

In other words, what is preventing you from taking a break? You have already demonstrated that you are expending a considerable amount of effort, resulting in fatigue and exhaustion, yet you persist in your actions and fail to prioritize self-care. In the initial two descriptions,

In the event that others treat me in a more favorable manner, I will demonstrate gratitude and strive to reciprocate in some way. Conversely, if I am treated harshly, I will endeavor to complete the task at hand with greater effort. Similarly, if I am scolded, I will accept the criticism as valid.

In the context of Satir interpersonal communication, I observe individuals who prioritize the needs of others and the environment, while exhibiting a lack of concern for their own needs. Their behavior is characterized by frequent apologies, requests for assistance, and a tendency to depend on others, often manifesting as excessive niceness. Verbal expressions often include statements such as "It's all my fault, as long as you're happy," indicating a tendency to internalize responsibility and avoid confrontation. Emotionally, these individuals may experience feelings of grievance, anxiety, and suppressed anger, which they may internalize or externalize through self-harm.

Those who "try to please" often exhibit low self-esteem and a lack of confidence. They tend to disregard their own feelings in relationships and are in need of care and nurturing from others.

If an individual is likened to a seedling, relying on the care of the farmer to fertilize and water it, the seedling will strive to flourish and be seen. However, during our formative years, we were also introduced to the concept of "pulling up the seedlings to help them grow." In your narrative, the individual pulling up the seedlings is, in fact, yourself. You are so focused on growing upwards that you neglect the importance of establishing deep roots.

Consider the following analogy: if Miao Miao had a well-developed root system, it could still grow even if it could not directly receive the careful watering of the farmer. Similarly, if you open up your horizons, you will see a wider world.

It is evident that a pattern of compliance has emerged in the relationship between the client and counselor. For the client, it is crucial to recognize that the purpose of counseling is personal growth. Consequently, challenging the relationship may be a necessary step in this process. The client must understand what a safe and supportive relationship entails. For the counselor, it is vital to distinguish between blind compliance and genuine growth. Constructive confrontation and effective emotional expression can facilitate the client's personal development.

For those engaged in the practice of counseling, the process of personal growth is of equal importance. As a fellow traveler with the client, counselors must be prepared to expend their own energy, while also recognizing the value in the client's decision to seek help. This underscores the importance of self-care for counselors, who often require the guidance of a supervisor. The act of receiving personal analysis can serve as a catalyst for growth and development.

In conclusion, you stated that

It is possible that, at this time, I still lack a certain degree of courage and confidence.

Indeed, it requires fortitude to be oneself. It is akin to the process of taking root, necessitating the ability to circumvent certain obstacles (complexes) without dwelling on them. Therefore, the strength to be oneself can also be gentle, as opposed to confrontational.

One can begin by practicing the three good deeds noted in positive psychology. It is also recommended to record the little things in life that touch one's soul or nourish one's spirit. In the event that one has no recollection of the day's events, one can record, "I remember that today I need to remember to do three good deeds." This demonstrates that one is aware of the importance of self-care. While this practice may initially seem somewhat formalistic, it can lead to a profound sense of fulfillment when continued over time.

Furthermore, it is crucial to pursue psychological counseling in addition to self-help. This counseling relationship is instrumental in facilitating the reconstruction of genuine interpersonal connections.

I wish you the best of success!

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Comments

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Bram Davis Growth is a process of becoming more resilient in the face of life's storms.

I can really relate to your feelings. It's important to remember that it's okay to set boundaries and express your needs. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and kindness. Learning to say no and prioritizing your own wellbeing is a step towards healthier relationships.

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Eileen Jackson The beauty of forgiveness is that it frees us from the burden of anger.

It sounds like you're carrying a heavy burden. Recognizing the need for change is already a big step. Trust in yourself and know that you deserve to be valued just as you are. Seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist can help you gain the confidence to break this pattern and find your true self.

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Maggie Anderson The more one knows about different fashion and cultural traditions, the more stylish their thinking.

Your desire to be seen and appreciated is valid. It's time to focus on what makes you happy and fulfilled. Start by acknowledging your worth and setting small goals for yourself. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. Remember, it's okay to take a step back and prioritize your mental health.

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Maya Taylor A person of erudition is able to synthesize knowledge from different sources.

I admire your willingness to work hard and maintain harmony, but it's crucial to also honor your own limits. It's not selfish to take care of yourself; it's necessary. Try to practice selfcompassion and give yourself permission to rest. You don't have to prove your worth through constant giving.

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Amelie Miller The combination of knowledge from different sports and academic fields is interesting.

You're not alone in feeling this way. Many people struggle with finding their voice in relationships. It's brave of you to acknowledge this and seek help. Consider joining a support group or talking to a counselor. They can provide tools and strategies to help you build assertiveness and selfesteem.

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