Do I Take Things Too Personally?

Do you struggle to let things go, and do you often wonder what was REALLY meant by someone?

Do you have a hard time accepting it when someone sees your flaws or mistakes?

Do you find it hard to be assertive?

Do you spend too much time with the wrong people?

Are you afraid to be proud of yourself?

Are you very tough on yourself, often questioning why other people would want to spend time with you?

Do you often overreact to small slights?

When you are given good feedback, do you feel uncomfortable and secretly question it?

Do you react quickly to any form of criticism?

Is it hugely important to you to be approved of by other people?

Are you always trying to prove your self-worth to others?

Do you worry excessively about how you were perceived in a particular setting?

Are you often quick to negatively judge others?

Do you frequently worry that you have offended someone?

Based on your answers, it’s unlikely that you take things too personally, which is of course a great sign! Sensitivity is fine, but we also have to allow for a living in a world where not everyone will like us. As you may know, negative feedback can be helpful too sometimes, even if it may not feel that way. If you take things way too personally, it can be unhealthy for you and it can even damage relationships and opportunities. Luckily, you seem to have no reasons to worry!

Based on your answers, you are displaying several signs related to taking things too personally. The world is a confusing place, but remember that most people are not trying to put you down. The next time you are catching a sign that you are taking something too personally, just stop the thought process. Learn that other’s opinions don’t matter. If you constantly seek approval from others, you are going to take things personally. This can come from low self-esteem: you don’t approve yourself, so you need approval from others. Try to deal with criticism well, it’s a way to grow!

Unfortunately, you are displaying the signs typically seen among individuals who take things too personally. It’s very important to learn to deal with criticism well. Stop yourself from overacting, ruminating, or beating yourself up. Know that negative feedback and criticism can sometimes be useful to promote growth. However, it may also be important to check your relationship with your critic. Is the feedback for your own good, or does the person have an agenda? If there is a truth in the criticism, we need to face it. Knowing our weaknesses can give us an opportunity to improve ourselves.