Conundrum Next Conundrum

You have a good friend who regularly says things about herself that are very negative. What do you say to her?

I have a good friend who is a wonderful, generous, caring person, but she always second-guesses herself. She says positive things about everyone I know and wouldn't say an ugly word about anyone, even some folks who might deserve it, but she is horrible difficult on herself, calling herself names, putting herself down.

What can I do as her friend to let her know it hurts me when she says these things about herself and that she should stop--not because *I* want her to stop, but because the world doesn't see her the same way she sees herself? I've already said the words, but there has to be a way to do 'more'... any ideas?
Interesting Question? Yes (1) No (0)
Email to a friend | RSS
No Best Answer Selected, Tip Refunded
4 answerers thought this was unfair.

Answers (4)
Sort By

October 23, 2009 02:18 AM
That's how I am...always have a negative issue with something...and I'm slowly starting to realize it bugs people. What my boyfriend had to do to make me realize it...was he would slowly start becoming negative..and I would catch him and tell him to knock it off...and he would say "Why? You do it all the time..." and that made something click in my head...Just a suggestion...Good luck :)
Helpful Answer? (0)   (0)
Permalink | Report
Reply
October 23, 2009 03:34 AM
Maybe you could do a little reverse psychology to get your point across. Ask your friend the following:

Michy: "My friend,do you think I am a relatively smart woman?
Friend: Of course
Michy: And you know some of the folks I choose to be around - are they dumb, self-deprecating, ugly?
Friend: why, not - not at all
Michy: Do you trust me and have I ever lied to you?
Friend: No, I don't think so...
Michy: Then why, if I am smart and only choose to be around friends who are bright and lovely - would I choose one that wasn't
Friend: You don't have any friends like that...
Michy: Actually, I do - you see - you are making yourself out to be that person and it is hurtful to me because I don't see you that way. I would never choose to be around someone negative, ugly, dumb, etc., and yet those are the names you call yourself.

Trust me when I tell you, friend, that you are every bit as wonderful as all my other friends and you're generous and you're caring and trust me when I tell you that b/c I'm your friend and you can believe me."

That way - you are saying things in a way where she may start looking at herself the way you and others see her and maybe will begin to feel more positive...although that comes from within - having positive feedback from a trusted friend always enhances the process and speeds it along!

Your friend is lucky to have someone like you wanting the best for her!
Helpful Answer? (2)   (0)
Permalink | Report
Reply
October 25, 2009 08:15 PM
You may be too nice to try this, but you could try agreeing with her. I did this with my wife's cooking, which is great (look how big I got). It bothers me that she constantly criticizes her own cooking. So one time she said something like "I think I left this in the oven too long, it's dry", and I responded, " now that you mention it, it's not very good at all". Oh boy did I get a laser look, or as we call it "the pig eye". Later it was "I don't think I cooked this long enough". Again, I agreed, and more pig eye. It wasn't long before she asked, "Alright, what's going on? You always complement my cooking" (and I do, at EVERY meal). I told her I was tired of complementing her cooking only to have her put herself down. Guess what? Now when I complement the tender fresh corn and the delicious apple pie, she says 'thank you honey, it's nice to hear that you appreciate my cooking." I think we're both happier, but that pig eye was pretty intense.

Long story short, try agreeing with her, even if just for a second or two just to get her attention before you make another attempt at convincing her that she isn't stupid, at all, she's really pretty great. I'd say be patient and stick with it. She may be really insecure, or it may just be a bad habit that she can improve over time. I suspect that showing exasperation or frustration may actually have the effect of reinforcing her low opinion of herself, but I'm no Dr. Phil, so I wouldn't bet the farm on that one.

This video isn't too bad.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2k4pxPp4og
Helpful Answer? (1)   (0)
Permalink | Report
Reply
October 27, 2009 01:34 PM
b positive...at least for one time in u r life.and see how life treats u ,and see what are better things u can see and feel ...
Helpful Answer? (0)   (0)
Permalink | Report
Reply

Answer this Question


View All Belief and Thought Questions

Ask a Conundrum


140 characters left

Categories

Large Glass of Conundrum Wine

Welcome to ConundrumLand

Please enter your zip code.