@Phorm Oh gods, sweetie, shutting that off was such a long and hard process for me. It's agonizing to break the reflex to give every damn person a referendum on your self-image, especially when it's about things you're afraid are true.
I wish I could give you better advice for how to snap out of it besides "spend 40+ years watching opinionated assholes shoot themselves in the foot, because being perfect is a lot harder than running your mouth off."
*HUG*
@zebratron2084
Ha, you know, that's not a bad suggestion - I just don't think I've got 40+ years left in me at this point. I also wish I could see the foot shooting, because they seem to be getting louder and stronger by the day.
I know you're right about not letting it all sink in, not letting that be the perspective from which I see myself, but... I don't know. It's just kind of hard to turn off the "Everyone else is more correct" switch? Or more distressingly, the "These are the people who will consolidate power VERY soon" fear.
Sorry to bring that nastiness here. But thank you for your words and comfort <3