As I was out and about today, I was thinking about those things that I dislike about myself, trying to talk myself into accepting them. Anyway, I started trying to figure out when these poor self-image/low self-esteem issues came about, and more importantly why. I can remember a lot of them from when I was a very young girl.

For example: My feeling as though I am pretty much useless when compared to others... I can remember feeling this way in pre-school (gingerbread school). I was never good enough... well, never felt as if I were.

My shyness, which is so bad, that I have a difficult time even speaking to members of my family, except my mother and my grandmother. I can remember being this way when I was a young girl, and still cannot speak to them comfortably, to this day. I'm just that shy.

Poor body image: Again, I can remember feeling this way as a young girl, for no apparent reason, what-so-ever.

Actually, I can only think of one thing, that I have a problem with, that has stemmed from something in my years as an adult.

What about you guys? I'm just curious as to whether the majority of our insecurities are from childhood and from just being born that way, or if something had caused them. From as far back as I can remember, I've just always been/felt this way... with absolutely no reason.

Would youy like a big hug from althom?

althom said:

Oh sheesh... I'm not in need of a hug, I was just thinking, is all.... buuuut, I'd never turn down a hug from you... so, I'ma gonna snatch it up while it's in front of me.

AzureStarr said:

No grabing my butt this time!

My shyness, which is so bad, that I have a difficult time even speaking to members of my family, except my mother and my grandmother. I can remember being this way when I was a young girl, and still cannot speak to them comfortably, to this day. I'm just that shy.


You are so wonderful on the phone... I can't imagine you being shy..

I am shy in person. But give me a beer, and it's nothing but laughter.

I feel your pain. At times it gets so bad, that I think I need to be medicated. Hopefully, I'll get over it eventually.

althom said:

Okay, but it sounds like everything else is up for grabs!

sag10 said:

You're not in front of me. That's why I am able to speak on the phone. If you were in front of me, I'd suddenly find nothing to say.

Would love to one day meet you in person though, so we could sit in silence...

althom said:

Um, may I?

sag10 said:

I'm the same way. Kids used to think I was a mute around the 2nd grade. I'm still shy around people I don't know.....but like you...once I get some vodka or something, it's like Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. hyde. I never shut up....I just babble about the most pointless stuff and I get TOO silly.

AzureStarr said:

Wooooowwwwwooooo!!!!!

HelloKittyIsMyFriend said:

It can make life difficult, can't it? I hope you get over it, too...

sag10 said:

Wooooowwwwwooooo!!!!!

althom said:

Do you feel violated?

I know how you love to see our kids photos....so this'll cheer you up!

http://www.prince.org/msg/100/111941

AzureStarr said:

AzureStarr said:

Do what I do whenever I am feeling worthless: compare yourself to althom.

althom said:

I posted after I saw Sag had brought it up... like I've said before, she is absolutely adorable!

It's funny, that elephant and her taking it everywhere... a couple of weekends ago I bought my daughter this kitty stuffed animal that was on clearance... it's about the size of that elephant and it "purrs" (it has a ball or something in it so when you pet it, they jingle and the thing sounds like it purrs) anyway... Haley takes that everywhere, too! Who knew that $4 could bring so much joy! Had I known, I could have saved myself a lot of money through the years!

(p.s. I'm waiting on photos that I took of the kids at their dad's last weekend... you should get to snappin', as well as others on here who have or are going to be around kids, and we should get a thread going after the weekend!)

2the9s said:

Ya dork! I'm still "on"...

AzureStarr said:

That sounds like a good idea!

I think I'm pretty much like you and it's hard to say what's actually your personality and what stems from negative experiences.

well, i'm very shy and extremely insecure and it's all because of my mother.

i was very shy as a child, never remember being told i was pretty, but i know i was loved. im not as shy as i used to be. i have made changes over the past 3 yrs that have given me more confidence. i dont know why it seems to be so important for me to to feel pretty but im happy with my life and that is whats most important.. to me anyway

unlucky7 said:

3mta3 said:

your very pretty.

AzureStarr said:

what?

unlucky7 said:

I am sorry to hear this. Sometimes people do not realize what they do to each other...

unlucky7 said:

thank u

3mta3 said:

That is what is most important, but it's difficult, or at least I find it to be, to push those insecurities aside and be happy with life while I sit there and... you get the idea....

I suppose the reason why we feel it's so important to feel pretty because feeling pretty is better than feeling ugly. And, I'm talking about feelings here, rather than how we look. And, really, that's a pretty important thing, too.

i have noticed when i feel pretty or i look good (in my mind) dressed nice or whatever i feel better about myself