"Remember that friend who always had something negative to say about your choices but never offered actual help? Self-respecting people recognize the difference between constructive feedback and emotional vampirism. According to research in interpersonal psychology, constant criticism without supportive guidance actually rewires our brain's stress response system. It triggers what psychologists call "learned helplessness"-a state where we stop trying because we believe nothing we do will be good enough."
"I learned this the hard way when someone I cared about called me out for only talking about work. At first, it stung. But then I realized they weren't just criticizing-they were offering me a mirror to see how my achievement addiction was affecting my relationships. That's constructive. What self-respecting people won't tolerate is the person who tears you down just to feel superior."
Self-respect is built by enforcing protective boundaries and refusing behaviors that undermine worth. Constant criticism without constructive guidance rewires the brain's stress response and can produce learned helplessness. Constructive feedback provides a mirror for growth, while emotional vampirism tears people down to feel superior. Self-respecting people distinguish between corrective, supportive input and destructive negativity. Self-respecting people also refuse to have their time disrespected and set limits on interactions that drain emotional resources. Sustaining self-respect requires recognizing unhealthy patterns, expecting supportive engagement, and acting to preserve psychological well-being.
Read at Silicon Canals
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