When we listen, people may remember their worth

Thanks for sharing, that definitely resonates @StarryEyed

Just two days ago I realized I have literally a handful of people left from before I got ill. And with the idea that the majority is always right, my soul has crumbled beneath this weight… not sure if that makes sense. What I mean is that it took away my self-worth.

But their absence is more about them, then it is about us being ill. Not that I am saying that everyone should be able to deal with a chronic, but it would have been awfully nice to have not lost that many family members and friends.

Indeed, with those few who do express their support or appreciation… that is really good to feel, and sometimes astonishing to be honest.

@SmellyBin

I like what you've written there – especially with regards to "the idea of the majority always being right"

My own self-worth issues stem from abuse within my family but I believe the reason I was more affected by the abuse than others in my family is the sustained invalidation as a result of long-term bullying throughout my developing years at school. I think this taught me to especially take the abuse to heart – in some perverse ways even "embrace" it, as if it was my place or something I deserved?

Going back to the idea about the majority, I think it is reflective of the bullying situation. I can truly look back and think that maybe half a dozen were truly malicious, but the rest just followed along to protect themselves from becoming a target… I wonder if this mirrors society where people follow along with opinions: perhaps people perpetuate popular opinions (they either don't understand, or even don't agree with) to keep the dogs off their own back?

What a lovely thread.

I've personally always disliked myself and about 60% of others do too, well it feels that way, I'm isolated literally almost completely in this world, partly my fault because I've never been able to beat the severity and complexities of my autism and anxiety and partly others for what they've done to me all my life by taking advantage of my weak points and literally a*using me in every way you can think of from boarding school to the present day.

I've seen and been through some nasty things and Despite the ups and downs we see on the forum, there's still overall a united family beneath the surface ,(that's why I returned twice).

There's some special people on this forum and many of them!

💛

That's brilliant

Beautiful words @StarryEyed, truly listening to someone is a skill, and one that few people seem to have. Being listened to, and actually understood, is so powerful.

To make you laugh @StarryEyed: I remember it being like 'If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, did it happen' and then once changed it to 'If a tree falls in the forest and no one mentioned it on Twitter, did it happen?'

But without trying to be funny, I do appreciate people daring to open up. Especially after all the nastiness we've been through of not being heard. Unfortunately, I trust most of us have seriously experienced that.

Oh, I definitely see and hear you! Big hug :)

If a forest has a sound that nobody hears, did s tree fall? 😁

Reversing it could show some people see things completely another way round but can still agree on the main theme.