how can you tell how someone really feels about you? (Platonically)
This might seem like a weird question, but it really bothers me. I mean in all contexts, platonic, etc, not just romantically. The minute I care what people think, my anxiety goes into overdrive and I lose my ability to read people. I decide I'm not worthy, sO I assume everything is negative. I know some people are just not going to like me, so when my anxiety is in full swing, how can I tell who really doesn't like me and who actually does (but I care too much to see it?) there is one particular relationship I have that I just cannot figure out at all. He's kind of awkward too, so- I don't know, I just don't know.
@Tiikeri101 I think that people show each other they care in different ways. For instance, I'm sure someone who tends to be more introverted would express a platonic interest in someone much differently than an extrovert. There are certainly other differences as well.
Showing someone you care about them in your own way, and then seeing how they respond is one way to see how someone feels about you. For a lot of people it takes a bit of experimentation.
But it sounds like you realize that you are being critical? Negativity and self-criticism are fairly common effects caused by anxiety. One way someone might combat the negativity is by forcing yourself to look at a situation in a positive light.
For instance, let's say your friend Q (I'm very creative with names) walked right by you while you were waiting at the bus stop, without acknowledging you.
You might see this as a sign that Q doesn't really like you, or you could identify other possibilities. Maybe Q was feeling stressed out and unhappy, and didn't really feel like talking? Then you could (nicely) ask Q if they are feeling alright the next day?
I do hope this was helpful!
- River <3
@Tiikeri101 The easiest way is to ask! Which might be scary I know, but better than wasting your time on someone who isn't interested.
