Personalization

Personalization, is when someone takes things personally or assumes blame for situations where there are equally plausible external explanations or when there is no logical reason for self-blame.

Examples include:

• If a loved one is acting differently around you, you might assume it's because they're upset with you, rather than considering other possible explanations (e.g., they're stressed, they're preoccupied, etc.).
• If someone doesn't respond to your text message right away, you might assume they're ignoring you or upset with you, rather than considering other possible explanations (e.g., they're busy, their phone died, etc.).
• If you see someone on the street who looks angry or upset, you might assume it's because of something you did, even if you have no connection to that person.