Managing other people's expectations

I'm a woman in my 30s, and find that it is very hard to explain that a) yes, I'm capable in some ways b) no, I'm not capable in all ways. Because I'm seen as competent in my job, and by those around me, I'm expected to behave , act, think in ways that always live up to that competent profile. But I can't. 

I want to be able to say 'im not good at x' without people saying 'how annoying, you should be'. It's frustrating on many levels, partly because it's a neurotypical way of thinking to make assumptions about how someone should or shouldn't be or think. I feel like I can't win. 

Parents
  • Just to double check, does anyone actually say "how annoying", or is this what you think they will say?

    It makes a big difference.

    You may be being unreasonably harsh on yourself.

    It is one of the cognitive distortions; to assume you know what other people are thinking.

Reply
  • Just to double check, does anyone actually say "how annoying", or is this what you think they will say?

    It makes a big difference.

    You may be being unreasonably harsh on yourself.

    It is one of the cognitive distortions; to assume you know what other people are thinking.

Children