cognitive distortions

I've started to notice negative self talk I have with myself when I'm alone. I tend to leave interactions happy but after spending time alone quickly turn my memory of them into a negative mush. I told my therapist about this and he said it's something called cognitive distortions which can occur when someone has been traumatized.  I notice them after work or even in planning future events. For example, I'd like to host a party with some co-workers and friends. The first thought that comes to mind about said party is that no one will have a good time and I will be judged for it. I really just want to do it to get over this fear and self-doubt. 
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The Critic

 The problem with the little voice in my head is that it's sneaky and if I don't catch it and beat it the fuck up, it plants deep-rooted problems within my psyche. The other day I met a cute girl in the elevator of my apartment building. We talked a bit and I was excited about the prospect of living in the same building together. When I get home I'm a bit giddy but as soon those feelings subside, the critic begins to spread its seeds of doubts.


"That interaction didn't go as good as you thought"

"What if she had 0 interest in you at all"

"The way you talked was weird"

"You aren't good enough for her"


I've been better about catching myself when these thoughts come up but it's not easy and the emotion they leave is even harder to get rid of. What I like to do is visualize absolutely curb-stomping this entity in the most gruesome way possible. The main thing is just noticing it and not letting it attach itself to me.

The problem is that these thoughts not only taint my feelings towards this girl but now make me doubt all my past and current relationships.


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