theome: (Thtphtphtph)
[personal profile] theome
So as usual, it's been a very long time since I've written in here. I always intend to write more in my LiveJournal, but of course I never get around to it. There was one main thing that [livejournal.com profile] baja_hyena said to me online today, and that was to get over one's confidence issues, one must "start with making peace with who you are and your imperfections". I have some major self-confidence issues. Anyone who's known me for even a modicum of time has noticed this. Getting over these issues has always been a struggle for me, but I'd say I've come a long way from where I was back in 2003 when I first came to Ohio State University. Since then, I've developed a more complex sense of social anxiety, but that's not the purpose of this entry.

There were two physically noticible imperfections I observed in myself today. The first of which is that I'm still a compulsive nail biter. As far as I can remember, I've bitten my nails. I know it's a very dirty habit and it's unattractive, but I can't help it. It's something I do, even when I've made conscious efforts to stop it. I've tried using that spicy nail-polish that you're supposed to put on for it and all that stuff. Didn't work. Doesn't help that I like spicy things either, does it?

The other imperfection that I've noticed is that I think I have a speech impediment. When I'm excited or talking fast, I have a really bad habit of omitting necessary context words, stumbling on my words and repeating myself, or just weird and awkward hesitations. Sometimes, it feels like my brain is moving much faster than my mouth (which, I know that technically it is) and that my mouth is playing catch up. I especially noticed it tonight while hanging out with [livejournal.com profile] anivair. I stuttered a couple times. I tripped on words. Fortunately, we were at The Guardtower, a gaming store, where social impediments are rather common.

These are two small steps in the direction of the never ending task of making peace with who and what I am.

Date: 2007-02-23 10:33 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] atpaw.livejournal.com
Rrrrrawr. :)

Keep working at it, critter - I've certainly had my fair share of social impediments, lack of self confidence.. Just keep throwing yourself in the deep end and getting exposure. :)

Date: 2007-02-23 11:27 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] rummy-raccoon.livejournal.com
I worry about several things. Knowing my past history makes me believe I have aspergers disease but my parents were worried id be labeled an idiot so they didn't seek diagnoses. I didn't start to talk until age 5. Even now I find it extremly hard to listen to the words a person is saying unless im engaged in the subject. I find myself at work everyday avoiding conversation because it demonstrates my inability at talking. My sinuses feel so tight at times that i cant pronounce words because it vibrates painfully in my head. Try carrying a conversation without breathing through your nose. Being an introvert I long for the company of others while fearing my social inabilities. Its tuff. But the few people I feel comfortable around are the best people in my life and I appreciate each one more than tey now. Take care coon. And if you want to know more about the schools around here just talk to Kit Ping.

Date: 2007-02-23 02:35 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] sabotlours.livejournal.com
And here I thought you were perfect ;o)

*hug*

Date: 2007-02-23 03:00 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] gothpanda.livejournal.com
You don't have a speech impediment--you are just a fast talker! Slow down a bit and your mouth will keep up with your brain. Don't feel like conversation is a competition, take the time to enjoy listening to another person and then reply thoughtfully. You might find that if you slow down a bit, so will other people.

Of course, some of the people we know talk a mile a minute, and even if you're dead silent they will continue to talk quickly. Those people probably are not all that interested in listening to you anyway, they're just waiting for their chance to talk, so why bother contributing?

Date: 2007-02-23 03:53 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] atananight.livejournal.com
I agree with Gothpanda about your 'speech impediment' Hehe. You are just a fast talker. as for the nail biting... I used to bite my nails all the time. I think what helped me stop was I started taking some time every few days to clean and groom my nails. I paid more attention to them. I also used nail polish. You can use just a clear coat if you want, but a color tends to stand out when the nails are headed toward your mouth. *smirk* Even the clear coat tends to smell like nail polish for a long time, and the taste is god aweful. It's not likely you'd like it, unless you like chugging nail polish or rubbing alcohol. :) Just an idea. It seemed to work for me. Well that and the thought that it's the same as your toe nails and thats kinda a gross thought...

Date: 2007-02-23 05:00 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] stormbadger.livejournal.com
Eh if they are flaws you dislike in yourself I wish you luck in fixing em. But ya know me i'm bias and see yer only fault is just not living closer for sushi runs damnit!

Date: 2007-02-23 09:11 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] silver-raccoon.livejournal.com
Hmm. never noticed that. Personally, i've never had a problem with people who bite their nails. other then when i'm visiting them they never have nail clippers whenever i inevitably break a nail working on something. as far as youre speech "impediment" yeah, thats not really anything to get in a twist over. I actually combine words when i am excited about something and talking rapidly. As far as i've seen you come off as fairly charismatic and somewhat smooth. It reminds me of how rough and, well, Arkansas I am. You have a lot of friends who hold you in a high regard, and even if we notice these slight things. It dosen't bother us. It's just good to hang around with you.

Date: 2007-03-11 02:29 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] phyxis.livejournal.com
He's smoother than a pack of Kools?

Date: 2007-03-14 09:54 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] silver-raccoon.livejournal.com
actually kools make me gag :o)

Date: 2007-02-24 04:05 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] invncble.livejournal.com
As others have said we'll always continue to enjoy hanging out with you. But if you want to work on these 2 things, you'll always get our support. As for the speech part? Whenever you catch yourself doing it? Take a sec, slow down, and try it again. I had a similar problem.
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