Dealing with My Inner Critic: Navigating Cringey Moments and Overcoming Self-Doubt
Feeling cringey about your own actions or speech is quite common and can stem from several factors. As someone who has grappled with these feelings since my teenage years, I can attest to the emotional toll they can take. Even as I approach my thirtieth year, I am still seeking ways to cope and find my voice in various social situations.
The Source of Cringey Feelings
Self-Consciousness: You might be overly aware of how others perceive you, leading to feelings of embarrassment or discomfort. This heightened awareness can make even routine interactions feel fraught with judgment.
Perfectionism: If you have high standards for yourself, you may feel disappointed when you don’t meet those expectations. This can cause you to cringe at your own behavior, especially when under scrutiny.
Social Anxiety: Anxiety in social situations can amplify feelings of awkwardness. This makes you more likely to focus on perceived flaws in your interactions, leading to cringey moments.
Lack of Experience: If you’re in new social situations or environments, you might feel out of place. This can lead to self-criticism and a heightened sense of cringeworthiness.
Negative Feedback: Past experiences where you felt judged or criticized can contribute to a heightened sense of cringeworthiness in your behavior. Even minor perceived shortcomings can trigger feelings of inadequacy.
Coping Strategies for Cringey Moments
Here are some strategies to help you navigate these feelings and find your way:
Practice Self-Compassion
Treat Yourself with Kindness: Recognize that everyone makes mistakes or has awkward moments. Being kind to yourself can help reduce the emotional impact of cringey situations.
Shift Your Focus
Connect with Others: Instead of dwelling on your perceived flaws, try to connect with others and enjoy the moment. This can help you see the bigger picture and the inherent value in interpersonal interactions.
Challenge Negative Thoughts
Rationalize Your Thoughts: When you feel cringey, ask yourself if those thoughts are rational. Often, they are exaggerated or unfounded. Rationalization can help you reassess your thoughts and find more balanced perspectives.
Build Confidence
Engage in Self-Improvement: Participate in activities that make you feel good about yourself. Improving your skills and knowledge can boost your confidence and reduce feelings of cringey moments.
Talk to Friends and Professionals: Consulting with friends or a therapist can provide perspective and help you work through these feelings. Support from others can be invaluable in navigating challenging social situations.
A Personal Story
Over the years, I have struggled with feelings of cringey moments, especially in professional settings. As a hairstylist, I have encountered situations where I felt my words or actions were not enough or didn’t resonate with clients. This has been a complex issue for me, as I strive for excellence and authenticity in my work.
It often feels like people are not interested in what I have to say. Sometimes, it’s as if they are so glued to their phones that they miss the conversation entirely. This can be particularly frustrating when you have poured your heart into a topic or idea, only to feel as though it went unheeded.
My ambition to improve my vocabulary and communication skills is a constant drive. However, there are moments when I wonder if these efforts are futile. The challenge is to find a balance between striving for excellence and acknowledging that genuine connection can be harder to come by.
Conclusion
Remember, everyone has moments they feel awkward or cringey. It is a normal part of being human. By practicing self-compassion, shifting your focus, challenging negative thoughts, building confidence, and seeking support, you can navigate these feelings more effectively.