overlooked
I have a friend that i struggle with under the surface. I keep having situations with them where I feel like they aren't appreciating my talents as much as our other friends, where they talk well of others but don't mention things that i'm good at. In general, i feel like this friend genuinely cares about me, but sometimes acts surprised when they remember that i can do things like sing, or craft, or do art.
I find myself not valuing my own work because i don't think that they do. Or i think i need to work harder to get noticed by them, and that thought process isn't really healthy.
i just feel very overlooked. but maybe i'm just being paranoid? what if they are saying the same nice things about me to others? that would make me feel ungrateful.
( this is consistent with the problem i have of feeling the need to impress the most difficult/discerning person in the room, and all other positive feedback gets lost in the wake of that one person's opinion)
You’re not being paranoid. It’s not uncommon to feel insecure or overlooked, but it’s important to remind yourself that your worth isn’t defined by one person’s recognition. It might help to talk to your friend openly about how you're feeling, not in a confrontational way, but just to express that you sometimes feel overlooked or underappreciated. They may not realize the effect their actions are having on you, and opening up could give them the opportunity to be more mindful of your talents and the value you bring to the friendship.
@CheeryMango
I think in my mind i know that i shouldn't base my worth on one person's opinion, but somehow i can't seem to stop getting myself into situations where i do, and then have to try to claw myself out of it mid-feelings.