Conquered by One

Why is it that I can be so discouraged by one person's criticism even if it's someone I don't know at all? Why does it make me afraid to be different, to be bold, to take a risk, to take initiative? It makes me want to curl up in a little ball, fall into a hole in the ground, and hide there indefinitely. I'm so afraid of being annoying, dumb, inappropriate, excessive. As much as a compliment can lift me up for days, weeks, a discouraging word can ruin me. I hate the way that makes me feel.