Making Friends When You’re Afraid People Won’t Understand You

There are a few things I remind myself to get out of this rut.

The more I get to know myself, the more I can predict my tendencies and practice self-care.
The more honest I am with others, the more honesty I am inviting from them, and the more likely I can help set the tone for intimacy.
The more people I come to contact with, the more likely I will come across individuals who might be healthier for me and be in a place to work with me.
The more people I come across, the more practice I will have in learning understanding, self-control, and compassion.
The more I obsess about making a mistake with a new person, the more likely I will.
Therefore, despite my failed friendships and relationships, I have strong conviction that the strongest relationships are those with deep commitment—and that the first and strongest relationship should be that which is with yourself.

I have committed to not let past fears and rejection hold me back. This commitment is a type of freedom in itself, and a small model of what I can aspire to in relationships with others.

Have you ever felt limited by the fear that others won’t understand you? What’s helped you overcome it?

HOW TO HELP SOMEONE FEEL LOVED AND UNDERSTOOD

“The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them.” ~Ralph Nichols