I was so ashamed. It made me hard on you, when I was trying to be hard on me. We are blinded by our regrets, Annie. We don't realize who else we punish while we're punishing ourselves.
The quote reflects a deep sense of shame and regret, portraying the struggle of internal conflict. The speaker acknowledges that in their efforts to be tough on themselves, they inadvertently projected that harshness onto another, presumably someone they care about. This insight highlights the emotional turmoil that can arise from self-punishment.
Additionally, the notion that we may not recognize the collateral damage of our own suffering is poignant. It serves as a reminder that our regrets can blind us, causing us to harm those around us while we wrestle with our own feelings of guilt and sorrow. This interconnectedness of emotions emphasizes the importance of understanding and compassion towards both ourselves and others.