I think Kessa's on the right track here. I think that when we are shaken and unsure of ourselves and we screw up we see ourselves as bad. Period. That's it--we are bad! (Sort of the feeling of I told you so, T!)

Then along comes a compliment...a reference to a part of ourselves that we can't see or feel at that moment. We panic and say, "Who is he talking about?"

Then, if we agree that there is or was a "good and talented self" (that T described), we feel we have to be that self and that is a difficult prospect because we feel ugly in this moment. Also, it is really hard to hold onto competing views of ourselves. We feel we have to be either good OR bad, but not be something in between or both. Maybe you are a smart, talented, intelligent person who occasionally has a difficult time and does something you're not proud of?

Another thought is that the "bad" feeling is realy old -- like infancy old. You wouldn't remember and it's possible you were made to feel bad about something--something you needed.

I'm glad you were able to discuss this and have your session.



xoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxxo