That’s okay it does take time to change your beliefs. You just need to keep catching yourself when you do start to become anxious and work from there. It is harder to do in the moment when we’re triggered, so again it’s time and persistence. It must have felt really daunting to be put on the spot like that and your reactions are perfectly okay.

Yea, it wasn’t exactly the right approach. Did your mother continue to use it? People who are sensitive don’t really do well with those sorts of direct approaches. It’s easy to take things to heart. You don’t have to beat yourself up to accomplish things and yes it does end up hurting you instead. Sensitivity will never go away you just need to learn how to manage as best as you can.

Some articles on this site on high sensitivity http://psychcentral.com/blog/archive...hly-sensitive/
http://psychcentral.com/blog/archive...motional-type/

Personality difference
http://blogs.psychcentral.com/attach...rences-matter/

You desire things, but worry about your ability to cope?

I see, so you felt powerless re. Bullying.

I don’t think you need to worry about being self-centred because you’re simply looking after your needs. All people do this. You’re just judging yourself for it – thinking it’s a bad thing. When it’s a completely human and normal thing to do. Perhaps you’re worried that you’ll do it too much to the point of it being annoying?

I can’t say if you do have that disorder, that’ll be between you and your T. But know this, when we are anxious or fearful the reaction that is triggered is flight or fight. Avoiding is a normal response to anxiety/fear. So, just take little steps at a time – no rush. Here is a suggestion, you seem to flow well when you write so why don’t you write up something for your T to let them know about your concerns... that way you don’t have to stress yourself when you do see them and don’t have to worry about explaining things in the moment.

They've called you self-centered? perhaps those aren't the best people to open up to. Their annoyances are not really about you, but probably them. Sometimes when venting or talking about certain things it triggers others and they get defensive or deflect (change the subject). It's not about you it's about their inability to cope. I understand what you mean, it can be hurtful when people get abusive. It's uncalled for and says more about their issues than yours. Also, introverted or shy people do come across as aloof. I've been called most of the names you've been called too.

Yup, I understand you re. your mother. Mine is like that too and is hypercritical because that's her way of showing concern (or wanting the best for me).

Take care!