Thinking people's emotions are because of me.

[Lily flower]

Does anyone else have this problem?

Whenever I see a strong emotion on someone's face - positive or negative - I always have a gut assumption that it is because of something I did. This unfortunately happens even with strangers. When I see a stranger walk by, scowling, I start to wonder what I did to cause his displeasure. I have to actively remind myself all the time that he is probably not thinking about me at all.

I know that this is self-centered, but it's some sort of gut reaction that I am having trouble overcoming.

Any thoughts?

 

[SilkRoad]

I can relate, but not quite to that extent. In the situation you describe I'd probably only think something like that if the guy stared at me with extreme displeasure. Then I'd wonder.

But I do tend to take too much responsibility for the feelings of others (especially those who try to guilt trip me into giving them more of my time, etc...a boundaries issue which I'm working on.) And if something has happened like I've fallen out with someone, I tend to imagine that they're brooding about it all the time...when they are probably not...it's more me projecting. I guess it comes down to projecting, and maybe according too much importance to my/your feelings.

 

[skylights]

my mom does that... she'll project others' emotions onto herself. she's ESFJ 2w1, i always assumed strong Fe and e2 had much to do with it.

 

[21%]

my mom does that... she'll project others' emotions onto herself. she's ESFJ 2w1, i always assumed strong Fe and e2 had much to do with it.

I agree with the bolded part. I do some of that -- but only with people I'm close with. (But then I'm never really that great with Fe )