Hidden assumptions In addition to asking yourself questions, you can defend against your critic by examining your hidden assumptions about yourself and the world around you. These assumptions are often unconscious, yet lurk behind every interaction. The more aware of them you become, the less ammunition your critic will have when it launches attacks against you. Hidden assumptions are beliefs or rules you have about how you are supposed to be, how conversations are supposed to go, how others are supposed to relate to you, etc.
In "The Solution To Social Anxiety" by Aziz Gazipura, the author emphasizes the importance of recognizing hidden assumptions that shape our self-perceptions and interactions with others. These assumptions, often unconscious, influence how we believe we should act and how we expect conversations to unfold. By becoming more aware of these beliefs, individuals can weaken the impact of self-criticism, allowing them to respond more constructively.
Understanding and identifying these hidden assumptions can lead to significant personal growth. When you gain insight into your internal rules regarding social interactions and self-expectations, you create a buffer against negative self-talk. This awareness helps to diminish the power of your inner critic, empowering you to engage more freely with the world and to disarm the anxiety that often accompanies social situations.
