It usually starts with the ones close to you. Your wife/husband, sister, brother, mother, father and close friend etc. They start to hint things. You may have several attempts at certain projects, small or large with some success or no success. One by one they will start advising rather than seeking advice, without your asking. All of a sudden they become the authority in all your initiatives; even for the ones you are well qualified for.

You start to feel failed, small and suspect your own ability. This game goes on for a while until you think you are useless, a total disaster and question your life from a negative perspective. If you are in a long period of soul searching, you had it big time. They may even influence your children if you have any and cause them to lose their respect for you or look at you with pity. [Read more…]