Why if we hear negative things about ourselfs or?

Question

think negative thoughts about ourselves that was giving to us, and let's just say the same happen with positive thoughts. Why is it so easy that the negative voices/thoughts stay in our mind longer or it eats at our soul longer than the postive thoughts.

Did anybody else notice that.

Answer 1

A matter of self esteem. Low self esteem - negative image or comments linger longer. High self esteem - positive image or comments are remembered.  

Answer 2

More often than not some insult has a kernel of truth and it get us sometimes. You can train yourself to be stronger mentally but that is a lonely process because most of us are stuck in the needy role of approval.

I have seen endless questions at Yahoo of people needing approval and little about striking out for freedom from the good word of others.

Answer 3

We are meant to grow in life.  Seeing something "off" or "wrong" about what we are doing or saying, etc. is supposed to help us to change for the better.  So, I think we may naturally pay more attention to criticism.  For example, when your teachers, (english, music, math)criticize you, it's okay, (unless you're dealing with a jerky teacher) and natural and about preparing you for other things.  

Even in playing, like bowling, basketball, video games, we are open to constructive criticism or someone else's "guidance" on how we are doing because we like improving at stuff.

That's good and should not be confused with often unsolicited RUDE advice, guidance, criticism. You have to draw the line. I think what gets us is that there is a good and a bad side to everything and we don't know when to draw the line sometimes and just say NO.  Criticism on a task or project I am doing is fine, welcomed.  On my body, mind/intelligence, personality, NO.  Unless you are a doctor or therapist that I am paying to help me with something I already know  I have a problem with (duh) or a very TRUSTED friend who is doing it out of real concern or you are telling me something new that I've never heard about myself before (which I can then go to trusted friend or family member and ask about), oh great one, guru, you are dismissed.

For harassers, focus more on constructive criticism. Leave people alone for things they can't immediately change and are clearly already aware of.  It is not your job.  If whatever it is is so obvious for you to point out, trust that a million other messengers have already delivered that little message you are aching to relay. Move on.  

Answer 4

yup, we r hard on ourselves