Hi Molora,

I just happened upon your post and thought, “It sounds just like me!” I too analyze past conversation and behaviors with new and old friends. I am just starting to learn to stop listening to the negative voice and redirect myself to speak positively to myself. So thank you for sharing and thank you to the people who have given some advice.

I have taken a class for public speaking and during each speech I was video taped. It was horrible at first to watch myself. I was filled with anxiety as I loaded the DVD! But after the 3rd DVD, I realized that what I thought in my mind was always more critical than the reality. I had done quite well! It remained true throughout the class and made me question my perspective on myself. For me, it is true that I am my own worst critic, but I am actively trying to change because as Marliv mentioned, I want to be free.