I feel people think of me as a burden
I am very insecure about myself because of the pandemic. Whenever someone is laughing or chatting while looking at me, I think they are talking about me and start to feel negative about myself. I feel people think of me as a burden. And because of this I don’t have many friends. I am trying to change myself but I can’t. What should I do?
M. (15) / Wardha
I appreciate the fact that you realise that there is a problem that needs to be addressed. Being self-aware makes it easier to deal with the problem at hand. Most of your anxieties arise from the fact that you try to believe that you understand what the other person is thinking about. Remember one thing, we never truly know what any person is thinking about by just looking at them. Unless your friend does not verbalise and tell you something, it would be wrong to self-interpret what he/she is trying to say. The first step to attempt to self-change would include you giving the benefit of the doubt to people and not overtly judging either yourself or any other person. When you stop judging others it will become a lot easier for you to start making friends and you will start seeing people in a different light that is more positive. As you start making stronger friendship bonds your insecurities will gradually start to reduce.
Dr Alisha Lalljee is a Psychologist (M.A.), Special Educator (M.Ed) and Psychotherapist. She holds an MBA in Clinical Research and Hospital Management.
