Being Our Own Best Friend
Unhealthy Attitudes Toward Ourselves: We sometimes behave as though we are our own worst enemy and harshest critic . We tend to do this by engaging in negative, self defeating attitudes toward ourselves. This only results in anger at ourselves, anxiety, low self-esteem and behaviors that are often in direct opposition to the very things we want. Examples of such negative and self-destructive attitudes are : "Shoulding" on ourselves with self statements, such as "I have to, ought to, or must" Refusing to forgive ourselves by holding onto blame and shame for past mistakes Underestimating and devaluing our talents, abilities and positive qualities Having difficulty acknowledging and enjoying success and accomplishments Comparing ourselves unfavorably to others and worrying about their view of us Healthy Attitudes Toward Ourselves: When we behave as our own best friend, we display reasonable and realistic attitudes toward ourselv