5 Types Of Self-Punishment To Stop And What To Do Instead - Page 5
Self-Punishment In A Relationship

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Sometimes, we self-punish not because we let ourselves down, but because we let someone else down. This can show up in all sorts of relationships, including romantic, platonic and professional.
The most common form is to say negative things about yourself to the person you let down. It’s based on the idea that if they can see you feeling terrible, they will feel better. It’s a way of transferring the negative feelings they’re having (that you think you caused) to yourself.