Understanding the Difference Between Shame and Guilt

Shame is distinct from guilt as guilt is related to behavior while shame pertains to one's self. Guilt is feeling remorse for doing something wrong, whereas shame involves believing something is inherently wrong with oneself. Furthermore, shame is challenging to define as it shapes a narrative within us, often contradicting our rational thoughts yet influencing our actions. The stories of shame vary widely, and in the speaker's case, being a middle child led to struggles with tying identity to achievements and seeking validation as a source of security. The speaker attributes this tendency to childhood experiences where excelling in sports garnered exclusive parental attention, leading to a perception of love tied to measurable success.