tough question.

Its only a thought but perhaps we know our shortcomings so well and being bp, we sometimes over analyze our own shortcomings and forget about our strong points and forget that other people have faults as well.

sometimes we can be our own worst enemy. for all the people that you accept think of all the people that accept you............you are the best.........God made you perfect in His image.

We're our own worst critics. I think dealing with others keeps our focus outward instead of inward.

"sometimes we can be our own worst enemy"

So true worried1

Harsh on ourselves because only 'we' know ourself, we only see in others what they want us to see.

wow, I feel the exact same way...I have no idea either Swan...I guess maybe it's because we know ourselves a whole lot more than anyone else (no matter what others say) Its easy to be critical of someone you know so well.

Harsh on ourselves?

Because we KNOW the messed up stuff inside our heads,and how it affects us.

Know what you mean...I don't think I accept people unconditionally though...I mean 'accept' maybe..but I wouldn't continue contact with people who cross certain lines, abuse others, whatever. Sometimes I think women can go too far that way, to grossly generalise..ie/ trying valiantly to see 'good things' in peoples characters even if their own safety etc is being compromised. Whoa, I digress.
Yeah, it's good to remember to be kind to yourself as you're to those you love.

because we are our own worst critics

That is a tough question.

I find that I want to help others more than myself because I don't want anyone to have to go through and deal with the same mental shit we endure.

Because I have A natural feeling dislike Myselfe.