Fear of judgment and concern about acceptance are common human experiences rooted in evolutionary survival needs for group belonging. Some people become controlled by constant worry about others' opinions, leading to behaviors like compulsive social media checking and obsessive rumination after criticism. Childhood experiences such as frequent comparison, criticism, and feeling never good enough can create lasting beliefs of inadequacy and hypervigilance toward perceived judgment. These responses can affect sleep, relationships, and daily functioning. Recognizing that fear of judgment can originate from past caregiving and trauma enables targeted acknowledgment and therapeutic work. Addressing these feelings allows gradual reduction of their control and restoration of personal freedom.
others, but lately he has been noticing that his sensitivity is preventing him from being able to live a normal life. Timothy reports constantly anxiously scanning social media for likes and comments on his posts, and worrying obsessively about how his peers perceive him. "I want to know that they like me," he says. "Then it makes me feel safer."
Growing up, Timothy was constantly compared to his older siblings, who excelled academically and socially. His parents often pointed out his mistakes and flaws, leading him to grow up believing that he was never good enough. Even in adulthood, he feels like he doesn't measure up to their expectations, and always feels "like they look down on me." Wanting to be liked is a common experience
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