I always get tense and “over filter” what I say because, generally:
I want this person/these people to like/respect me and I feel like I can’t be my normal flawed self (yet) in order for that to happen, and the consequence of them not liking me would be far far worse than simply stifling a part of myself (which I’m not even sure I can define)
But in situations where I am respected, and I don’t care what they think of me, and that I know I am well liked, I find I like myself a whole lot more. And it’s frustrating because that situation doesn’t matter
Help