That’s how I am.” Self-deprecating, pessimistic, or negative comments creep into my conversations. Someone on the ward compliments my work. I attempt a joke: “Oh, you can fool some of the people some of the time.” No joke, that. They look at me strangely and protest that they meant it. Of course they did, but in my shame, I don’t believe I deserve any praise. A secret addiction comes equipped with praise deflectors.
