Pity

Self-pity places a person in an emotionally disabled position regardless of their physical capabilities. Pity received from another person reflects primarily that person's own lens and imagination, not the identity of the person being pitied. Even when self-pity feels justified, justification does not make it useful. Pity from others is a flawed attempt at connection that can be acknowledged without being accepted at face value. Pity is one of the most addictive emotional states, more addictive than caffeine or sugar. Pity is wasted energy even when well-intentioned because it does not produce useful or desired connection. More people are addicted to pity than to any other substance because self-pity can become a familiar emotional default.