1. Please don’t compare me to someone else as a way to motivate me to do something. I already struggle with not feeling good enough deep down inside because I’m a perfectionist with myself, so pointing out how someone is better than me only makes me discouraged and self-conscious.
2. I cannot tell you how far an encouraging word goes! Even just a simple, “Hey, that thing you did or said was really good…” really goes such a long way in motivating me to not give up.
3. Acting like my strong, intense emotions are a burden. It takes a lot for me to have enough trust in someone to even be able to verbalize how I feel, since I’m an internal processor by default.
4. Not knowing if someone will be there when it really counts. I crave stability and deep connection and I need to feel that those closest to me will be there for me no matter what.
5. Shallow, superficial conversation or “small talk”. Can’t stand it and find it exhausting.
Driven To Hope 