How weak does someone have to be in order to let someone else bring down their self-esteem? Though I shouldn't introduce you to the topic just there. I must specify: someone who degrades you verbally so that you begin to think down upon yourself. Is it just a poor image of one's self that allows this to happen or is there a greater cause? Depression, perhaps?
Of course we all know the common saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." But words do hurt. In fact, in my case and I'm sure in others, it seems like just the opposite is true. For me, it's one thing to hurt my person physically, but when your words or actions cut to my emotions, the pain caused seems to be much worse. Whether spoken elegantly or bluntly, the blade of degredation doesn't seem to be dulled and pierces and, somehow, reaches the deapest depths of souls and causes us to take a step back--we lose momentum.
So back to my question: Does one have to be weak in order for this to happen? Or is there a tough skin we need to envelope ourselves in to prevent ourselves from being vulnerable under attacks? And if there is such a skin, can it also hinder us? Can it negatively affect the way we interact with those around us who mean well?
