c/self-esteem·Posted by u/priya_nair·1h ago

Why do I go quiet in groups even when I know the topic better than anyone?

We had a project debrief with six people. I'd run the numbers. I'd even practiced two sentences in the hallway. When they started talking about the drop in conversions, I knew exactly which campaign caused it. I still sat there rearranging my water bottle. Someone else guessed wrong and I nodded like it was interesting. Afterward my teammate asked why I didn't jump in. I said I didn't want to talk over anyone. That's not true. I was scared I'd say it clumsily and then the room would remember the clumsy version instead of the right one. I went home replaying the meeting like I failed a test I had the answers for. How do you speak up when you know the thing and your mouth still won't move?

Peer discussion on askDr.app. Not therapy and not a substitute for professional care.