Dear Janine/ninibee:

“I guess I do not like reflecting on how stupid I am, and there is not much anyone can do or say to help me feel differently”- I agree: there is not much I can say to make you feel differently. But as a former stupid person (meaning my thinking did not fit reality), I will be happy to share with you what I learned so to help you fit your thinking to reality.

What I italicized above is something that I can help you with.

Once your thinking changes to fit reality, and the dust involved in this change settles, you will feel better.

Don’t give up on yourself, Janine, don’t withdraw because this is difficult.

anita