One of the most memorable childhood experiences is growing up very independent. However, as a psychologist, I know that this kind of childhood leaves its mark on unsuspecting children, silently undermining their happiness and health as adults.

As a child, with parents who didn’t pay enough attention, you learned how to take care of yourself. Trouble with a friend? I’ve dealt with it. The difficult decision to make? I did it. Something you need? You’ve either got it or learned to live without it.

Now, you are strong and independent, yes. You may feel like you can handle almost anything that comes your way, and you’re probably right.

But you may not be enjoying enough some of the vital things you deserve: the satisfaction and power that comes from enjoying the help and support of another person, self-acceptance, self-love, and comforting and rewarding emotional connection and connection.

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7 Signs that you grew up too independent as a child and this is now affecting you in adulthood:

1. It is not easy for you to ask for or receive help
   Somehow, letting someone help you feels wrong. You prefer to struggle alone.
2. You tend to be self-critical or hard on yourself
   You hold yourself to higher standards than anyone else. You tend to direct your anger inward, at yourself.
3. You feel uncomfortable talking about yourself
   It is somehow better to listen to other people’s stories and problems. When it’s your turn to share, you feel uncomfortable.

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4. You prefer to avoid conversations or emotional expressions
   You feel strong emotions (maybe even positive ones) and conflicts that make you feel embarrassed and don’t know what to say or how to act. She prefers to escape from the room when she appears.
5. You suffer from self-discipline
   You get angry with yourself for not being able to force yourself to do things you know you should do or stop yourself from doing things you shouldn’t.

Deep down, you blame yourself.

6. You tend to ignore, hide, or minimize your feelings
   If you’re angry, sad, hurt, or upset, you tend to talk about it, distract yourself from it, or pretend like you don’t feel it.

You assume that these are the ways you are supposed to deal with feelings.

7. You lack compassion for yourself even if you have a lot of compassion for others
   It is difficult for you to forgive yourself for mistakes or accept that you are human and it is normal to face human weaknesses and challenges.

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