Have you tried counselling, I feel like you. It would seem that throughout childhood constant criticism leads to low self esteem. No matter what anyone says in the way of a compliment is counteracted by the little voice inside, "they don t mean it". You could take assertiveness classes, take up a creative class that will make you feel achievement. I also self sabotage, when anything is going well I feel like I don t deserve it and deliberately spoil it. It is a vicious circle, I think I m learning now though otherwise will be on my death bed with a lifetime of regret! Philosphy "give me the courage to change what I can, the serenity to accept what I cannot change and the wisdom to know the difference". Ps if people do criticise you challenge them in a polite way, talk to someone else afterwards to sort it out in your head:)