Technique 5.26      Some Statements to Test Your Attitude on How to Handle Your Emotions

1

If I lose control of my emotions in front of others, they will think less of me.

2

I should be able to control my emotions.

3

If I let myself feel this emotion, I will become overwhelmed by it.

4

If I tell others how I feel, they will use it against me.

5

If I tell others how I feel, they will think I am weak.

6

Other people don’t feel this way. There must be something wrong with me.

7

Only an immature person would get so emotional.

8

I should be able to cope with difficulties on my own without turning to others for support.

9

To be acceptable to others, I must keep any difficulties or negative feelings to myself.

10

This emotional state is not a normal response; I must get rid of it.

11

A happy person would not feel this way.

12

That person responded differently than I did; therefore, my emotional reaction is wrong.

13

If I let myself feel this pain, it will kill me.

14

Letting myself feel bad would mean falling to pieces, being a total mess, or wallowing in self-pity.

15

If I show signs of weakness, then others will reject me.

16

Being an adult means not getting carried away by emotion; I’m supposed to be rational!

17

Showing my emotions to others makes me look like a “drama queen.”

18

I’m stupid for feeling this way. I should just suck it up!

19

I should not let myself give in to these feelings.