Dear Maggie,

I have noticed a habit I have, and I think I’ve had it all my life. I imagine it comes from being raised in a very negative atmosphere. My mom was very critical. Whatever. The thing is, I see something I want, and I get all excited about it, and then I get it, and before I’ve even had a chance to enjoy it, I start second guessing myself, questioning whether it was worth the money, wishing I could undo the purchase, worrying about how I’m going to pay for it, or whether I really could afford it, criticizing myself for making a mistake. I start regretting the things I do for myself almost the instant I’ve done them. And so it ends up that I spend all my time feeling miserable about things and I don’t enjoy any of them. What’s wrong with me? How can I change it?

Signed, Sick of Being Miserable

Dear SOBM,