How do you develop a sense of inherent self-worth? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 18, 2009 - 25 answers

Since childhood I've been a rather sensitive and justice-obsessed person, but also pretty interested in / attentive to the well-being and inner lives of other people. But I feel increasingly drained. In my field of work there is a lot of getting-ahead through nepotism/ingratiation rather than ability/ passion/effort, and it bothers me. In my life I have people whom I generally like and have opened up to, but who, at critical junctures, exhibit such self-absorption that I'm left feeling not only outraged but injured. I want to change the intensity and duration of my reaction to these things, as it's a huge waste of time, and sometimes upsets my own self-esteem. Please help me stop thinking about other people without becoming alienated and alienating.
posted by taramosalata on Nov 18, 2009 - 9 answers

Why am I such a pathetic sad-sack these days, and how can I shape up before I drive all my friends away? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 14, 2009 - 15 answers

I have had self-esteem, confidence, and anxiety issues my entire life. Lately, my confidence has been getting much better, but it is still very unstable. More than anything else, I want to be able to feel good about myself consistently. Is this possible, given my background (see inside)? If so, please share your success stories or advice on what I can do to feel good. [more inside]
posted by ahrara_ on Aug 31, 2009 - 14 answers

A week ago, my boyfriend of three years said that I was chubby. I am hurt, and having trouble moving on. Am I overreacting? [more inside]
posted by BusyBusyBusy on Aug 5, 2009 - 85 answers

Help me get my focus back on my own life and happiness and stop comparing/competing with my ex in my own mind... and stop having how I compare with others as a condition to my happiness/self esteem in general... [more inside]
posted by Chrysalis on Jun 16, 2009 - 13 answers

How do I become the kind of person who can be productive all day? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jun 10, 2009 - 25 answers

I have issues. My new friend takes issue with that. [more inside]
posted by crickets on Apr 3, 2009 - 31 answers

What do you do to feel 'good in your own skin'? [more inside]
posted by different on Feb 11, 2009 - 29 answers

Omnibus Relationship Question: Getting married, and can't wait, but have numerous small issues I want to resolve. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jan 13, 2009 - 20 answers

How do you feel good about yourself working in a career you're pretty mediocre at, but stuck in? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jan 9, 2009 - 17 answers

Tips for improving persistently miserable body image? Warning: emo. [more inside]
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur on Dec 8, 2008 - 56 answers

How can I ignore my ego and feelings of self-importance? [more inside]
posted by PFL on Oct 30, 2008 - 19 answers

Two part interrelated question: 1) How to improve the self esteem of a 16 year old girl 2) who can't act but would like to be a good actor [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 2, 2008 - 24 answers

I'm looking for books on cd that help with low self-esteem and depression. I'm not religious or spiritual and not looking to become rich, just want some inspiration and practical techniques.
posted by anonymous on Aug 4, 2008 - 6 answers

I'm looking for pictures that could serve as an antidote to "thinspiration". [more inside]
posted by arianell on Jul 18, 2008 - 21 answers

How can I rebuild my self-esteem after a break-up? [more inside]
posted by zembla3 on Jul 9, 2008 - 18 answers

Dear Type A personality, what helps you ward off insomnia? [more inside]
posted by MaddyRex on Jun 19, 2008 - 20 answers

Dentures dentures dentures! In stage one of getting dentures, what should I expect in the weeks to come? [more inside]
posted by mediocre on May 9, 2008 - 9 answers

Generally speaking, what can I do in the first day/week/month of a new job to make sure I get off on the right foot? Specifically speaking, how can I present myself as a smart interesting capable professional, and not a shy nervous slacker? [more inside]
posted by Metroid Baby on Mar 27, 2008 - 16 answers

I'm losing my hair at 19 and I'm becoming an emotional wreck. A different person. How do I cope with this and become my old confident self again? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jan 20, 2008 - 56 answers

"Me not ugly, me is beautiful." Do you know what monster might have said this? [more inside]
posted by Metroid Baby on Nov 2, 2007 - 24 answers

I'm an extrovert who is turning into an introvert. How can I start liking the time I spend with myself? [more inside]
posted by Madamina on Sep 10, 2007 - 11 answers

Loving myself and loving others: Your tips and tricks please. [more inside]
posted by DarkForest on Jun 24, 2007 - 24 answers

I’ve been asked to try out for a modelling agency, sounds pretty sweet, right? Unfortunately, the only person not supportive of the idea is me. How do I convince myself that this may be a good idea? [more inside]
posted by liquorice on Apr 28, 2007 - 50 answers

Help me let my guard down. [more inside]
posted by hifiparasol on Apr 3, 2007 - 19 answers

I seem to have lost my mojo. [more inside]
posted by northernsoul on Mar 14, 2007 - 14 answers

Yet another mixtape thread: Looking for songs with the theme "You are valuable." [more inside]
posted by fuzzbean on Sep 8, 2006 - 38 answers

My friends are wealthy. I am not. Why do I feel ashamed and inadequate? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 21, 2006 - 31 answers

How do I learn to overcome (better: eliminate) deep-seated insecurity in a relationship? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Apr 27, 2006 - 18 answers

How to stop making self sick with anxiety? So today I found a file from my boss among the stacks of paper on my desk. It had a sticker on it referring to a very fixed deadline for an important application. A deadline that had already passed!!! [more inside]
posted by mintchip on Jan 13, 2006 - 33 answers

How do i convince my mother to change her life? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 2, 2005 - 12 answers

If you met me for the first time, you'd probably think: 'He looks a bit odd'. Long, pointy nose, droopy eyes, distinct lack of chin, tall and gangly, often look sad or tired when I'm actually not. Usually, I am very unself-conscious about it, but I am aware of it somewhere in the very back of my mind. When meeting someone for the first time (in a social or work context), I'll probably not think about it at all and just attempt the usual small talk (another weakness, but hey, that's another potential thread). But later, I might dwell on the fact that whoever this person was probably came away thinking the odd/ugly thing. I still have a healthy circle of friends and there's no long-term effect. But is there anything I can do to lessen the short-term odd-factor - dress better? Sparkle with wit and intelligence? Tell jokes? Not bothered about this romance-wise (married), just social- or work-wise. Male, by the way.
posted by anonymous on Dec 7, 2004 - 32 answers