What Do You Like About Yourself?

[KafkaF]

I think a lot of us hate ourselves or at least don't love ourselves. I certainly know that I utterly despise myself with every fibre of my being. But I basically wanted to ask everyone... what is something (or multiple things) that you actually like about yourself?

Please respect the spirit of this post and don't reply here with negative things about yourself. I understand the temptation, but this is the recovery section and I'm trying to get us to look at our positive side or sides a little bit, even with how hard that can be.

I think for me maybe there's six things.
1. I'm smart. I'm insecure about this sometimes (because I'm insecure about everything) but when I really try to be objective, I know that's the case. And I appreciate my intelligence. Even if it can also cause trouble.
2. I think I can be pretty funny sometimes. Not always, but sometimes. And I love making people laugh.
3. I'm analytical. Arguably similar to smart, but not the same. It's more of a mindset thing. It's about the WAY that I think about stuff. I tend to analyze everything down to the details and methodically.
4. I try my best to be fair. I feel like a lot of the time people will do things like take sides, rally against the out-group, etc. I like to think I'm pretty good at resisting those urges. But I can't say I'm perfect. Still I like to think I'm good at it.
5. I'm determined. I mean, I spent about a decade trying to finish college despite my mental health issues. Once I set a goal I will definitely do almost anything to reach it and will fight through almost any barriers without giving up.
6. I love deeply. When I love someone, I love them completely and utterly and would do almost anything for them. This has its downsides but in the final conclusion I'd say this is a trait I value in myself.

 

[destinationlosangel]

Yeah this is actually good, looking at things from this perspective. Focussing on the positives.

I dont know if its cuz a lot of ppl here are a mix of above average IQ, neurodivergent, having depression, autism etc. The list that you made for urself - I think that I check all those boxes. Its almost like are we the same person?

To add onto that, I would say I'm conscientious which i always thought was a good quality. Giving importance to ppl's feelings and such. but i think thats a quality that's sort of a disadvantage in the kinda world we live in so i dunno.

 

[rosenwasser]

I would say I'm quite compassionate or at least, I'm never cruel. The well-being of people around me is extremely important to me and I put taking care of people in pain above pretty much everything else.

 

[KafkaF]

Yeah this is actually good, looking at things from this perspective. Focussing on the positives.

I dont know if its cuz a lot of ppl here are a mix of above average IQ, neurodivergent, having depression, autism etc. The list that you made for urself - I think that I check all those boxes. Its almost like are we the same person?

To add onto that, I would say I'm conscientious which i always thought was a good quality. Giving importance to ppl's feelings and such. but i think thats a quality that's sort of a disadvantage in the kinda world we live in so i dunno.

I think at the end of the day conscientiousness is both good and bad. It's good when you find the right people. The kinds of people who will be considerate of you too. But it's bad when you find people who'll just exploit it. It's that way with a lot of things, I think. A lot of things can be situationally great or bad. I guess you just need to find the people you vibe with in that way. But I think it's an admirable trait and I wish more people had it. =)

I would say I'm quite compassionate or at least, I'm never cruel. The well-being of people around me is extremely important to me and I put taking care of people in pain above pretty much everything else.

I think that's a very good trait. And underappreciated in the world.

 

[Kit1]

Naturally compassionate and professional at all times (work) no matter what challenges I am personally facing

 

[FRUSTRATED MIND]

"Please respect the spirit of this post and don't reply here with negative things about yourself. I understand the temptation, but this is the recovery section and I'm trying to get us to look at our positive side or sides a little bit, even with how hard that can be."

Sorry I deleted my comment

 

[KafkaF]

Sorry I deleted my comment

Thank you.

There's already one positive quality. You can admit when you made a mistake. Many, many people can't. =)

 

[ColorlessTrees]

I think this is a wonderful thread. The common sentiment of self hatred seems to permeate the forum, but it's worth considering that everyone has at least one good trait—even one's flaws can be beneficial to certain contexts. I'm no stranger to muddied self perception; and though I have been conditioned to feel my worth hinges on my contributions to society, I still have plenty to offer.

1. I'm a bleeding heart softie; I have the genuine ability to empathize. (and in the same vein as stated above, one's good qualities can also be flaws)
2. I strive to hold balanced perspectives with a healthy dose of nuance—or a grain of salt if someone manages to poke holes in my reasoning. And despite my strong opinions and value system, I'm able to agree to disagree; yes, in fact, we can even still be friends.
3. I'm extremely loyal in love and friendship (though it's rare that I find connections worth devoting myself to.)
4. Intellectually and emotionally, I would consider myself somewhat mature. The very sentence sounds arrogant, and there's nothing I hate more, but in clearer terms, I know when to walk away—from the pettiest of conflicts to dearly-held connections gone sour.
5. I am unhinged. In other words, I'm a prime case of monkey-brain entertainment. Even better, I'm able to flip between degeneracy and logical thought processes at will.

Bonus: I've been told I'm well spoken by countless people, but I'm still on the fence about that, myself. I am certainly capable of eloquence, but it's highly dependent on the day.

 

[Malaria]

I can be pretty curious and self aware. It's honestly hard for me to compliment myself because of how self loathing I am, but I'll admit to that at least.

 

[KafkaF]

I can be pretty curious and self aware. It's honestly hard for me to compliment myself because of how self loathing I am, but I'll admit to that at least.

That's a wonderful trait. Curiosity is the soul of invention and the child of fascination.

 

[Arachno]

I'm really bad at saying good things about myself but here goes: I never argue with anyone, I choose my words carefully, I have a vivid imagination and I'm generally a huge softie lol. I also have a hyperfixation on firearms, so I really like learning about them and stuff. But I'm not really sure if these can considered good traits :')

 

[FRUSTRATED MIND]

Thank you.

There's already one positive quality. You can admit when you made a mistake. Many, many people can't. =)

Please accept my sincere apologies

 

[KafkaF]

I'm really bad at saying good things about myself but here goes: I never argue with anyone, I choose my words carefully, I have a vivid imagination and I'm generally a huge softie lol. I also have a hyperfixation on firearms, so I really like learning about them and stuff. But I'm not really sure if these can considered good traits :')

I definitely think a lot of those are good traits. People with a vivid imagination create the most incredible things and enrich the world. Being a softie I think is also good. It can be hard, but I think the world would be better if more people were more empathetic. And liking to learn is I think one of the single best qualities someone can have. Because curiosity and learning are not only the cause of so many incredible inventions, but they invite understanding. And people understanding themselves is core to improving themselves and people understanding each other is core to improving the world and making it the best world it can possibly be.

 

[HereTomorrow]

It's a half weakness but I'm extremely empathetic. I may be suicidial but I absolutely care about my family, friends, or anyone who needs an ear. I like understanding people's struggles even if I can't help.

Also, I like how I can just cook on the fly. Throw a bunch of random food and I can probably come up with something half decent. Being health conscious, being able to make my own meals makes me feel more confident.

 

[KafkaF]

It's a half weakness but I'm extremely empathetic. I may be suicidial but I absolutely care about my family, friends, or anyone who needs an ear. I like understanding people's struggles even if I can't help.

Also, I like how I can just cook on the fly. Throw a bunch of random food and I can probably come up with something half decent. Being health conscious, being able to make my own meals makes me feel more confident.

I'm also very empathetic. I understand what you mean by calling it half a weakness. I honestly would never say this to myself because I'm too self-critical, but I do think it's good that people are empathetic. The world would be so much better if everyone was.

And the cooking thing is very impressive. =)

 

[lemonbunny]

honestly props to you for grinding through college. im struggling to do the same thing myself :(

one sort of~ positive thing i can think of is that i'm pretty... forgiving? whereas other people might lose their temper or hold a grudge, i kind of try to be the bigger person.
guess it makes me a pushover in some sense, but i like to think that i don't contribute to negativity as much as i tolerate it

 

[KafkaF]

honestly props to you for grinding through college. im struggling to do the same thing myself :(

one sort of~ positive thing i can think of is that i'm pretty... forgiving? whereas other people might lose their temper or hold a grudge, i kind of try to be the bigger person.
guess it makes me a pushover in some sense, but i like to think that i don't contribute to negativity as much as i tolerate it

Getting through college is really difficult. It's okay that you're struggling with it. But the fact that you're still trying despite struggling is a lot in itelf.

That's definitely sometimes some people would take advantage of, but that's their fault, not yours. Recieving forgiveness is a powerful thing so it's definitely something important and good to have. And certainly not something everyone can do, I know I struggle with that.

 

[LoiteringClouds]

what is something (or multiple things) that you actually like about yourself?

Wow this is a thread designed for me!
Thank you @KafkaF you set me free -
It's time to stop to be cynical -
Here I'm going to wax lyrical! [1]

I have so high tolerance for shame -
I've been a person people defame.
So, with the forsaken I suffered -
True compassion was what I offered. [2]

I can't be grateful enough to those,
Who helped me when problems arose.
Here, I am no longer dead inside -
Glory to our Sanctioned Suicide!

(If I'm correct each line has 9 syllables. I used this syllable counter.)

Syllable Counter - Count syllables for a word or sentence

Syllable Counter is a free online tool that helps you count the total number of syllables for any word or sentences, per line for haiku poems.

syllablecounter.net

Notes:
[1] Sorry, there's no meds or treatment for "pathological rhymer," but please let me know if it's inappropriate - I'm ready to correct my mistakes.
[2] This symptom is called "grandiosity" which is typical for people with bipolar disorder - I know how hard offering true compassion is. I've diagnosed with bipolar II and I suspect doctors had thought so because of my grandiosity.

 

[wondering&wandering]

Really good thread here. Props to making it!

I think I'm good at encouraging people. Sometimes I wonder if I do it for selfish reasons like to boost my self-esteem. But at the end of the day, if I made a positive impact on someone's life, it warms my heart to see them brighten up!

 

[sserafim]

I like how I'm logical and analytical. I also like my creativity, curiosity, uniqueness, intelligence, perspective on the world, individuality, authenticity, etc

 

[KafkaF]

Really good thread here. Props to making it!

I think I'm good at encouraging people. Sometimes I wonder if I do it for selfish reasons like to boost my self-esteem. But at the end of the day, if I made a positive impact on someone's life, it warms my heart to see them brighten up!

Thank you. =)

I think ultimately all motivation is selfish. We want to make other people feel good because it makes us feel good. That's what empathy is, really. So I agree, at the end of the day, it's the fact that you made a positive difference that counts.

 

[the_fail_man]

I love everything about myself besides the diseases and disorders I have. If I got rid of them I would have no issues. Mentally, I'm actually 110%. It's just I have too many diseases and disorders to count on 3 hands.

 

[Dr Iron Arc]

My height (6 ft) and my name (lol, nice try).

I genuinely can't find anything else I like about myself.

 

[KafkaF]

My height (6 ft) and my name (lol, nice try).

I genuinely can't find anything else I like about myself.

Hey, height is a good asset. Usually considered desireable. Although I do believe chances are there's more positive though. I get it though, it's hard. For me it was very hard too to find those 6 things and even harder to believe them. I had to really take a step back from how I feel about myself and try to consider myself more fully.

 

[Unknown User]

Nothing, i hate everything about me.

 

[Kit1]

Please accept my sincere apologies

It is okay. You have apologised and KafkaF has already accepted and acknowledged your reply. Hope you are okay?

 

[KafkaF]

Nothing, i hate everything about me.

"Please respect the spirit of this post and don't reply here with negative things about yourself. I understand the temptation, but this is the recovery section and I'm trying to get us to look at our positive side or sides a little bit, even with how hard that can be."

 

[Dliena]

I am a Blood Donor and can donate blood! I guess that is something not a lot of folks can be able to do these days but I could be wrong about that.

 

[KafkaF]

Sorry mb i didnt saw that lmao

It's ok, no worries. =) But could you delete it?

I am a Blood Donor and can donate blood! I guess that is something not a lot of folks can be able to do these days but I could be wrong about that.

That's a very selfless and positve thing to do. You probably have saved lives.

 

[broth0100]

i like tht i can understand ppl quite quickly n easily..i also like tht i haven't hurt anyone too badly in life