The Voices in Your Head

Who can you trust, really?
The loving spouse who says, "That was an amazing dinner", or the Voice in Your Head saying, "The meat was dry."
How about the best friend who says, "I don't think that person has your best interests at heart" versus the Voice in Your Head, who counters, "Of course s/he does.  You just don't understand."

If the voices in your head are anything like the voices in my head, they're opinionated, confident and sometimes, even correct.

But, not all the time.

They sure are compelling, though.

Compelling enough to get between a person and excellent advice from a friend.
Compelling enough to block and turn away compliments. 
Why?  Why do people assume the internal messages are correct and accuse otherwise trusted friends and loved ones of "just trying to be nice" or "being jealous" rather than being honest or helpful?

I think it comes down to four words:  Keeping the Narrative Alive

Everyone's life has a personal narrative arc, whittled into shape over time:
"I'm an extrovert."
"I'm not good at foreign languages."
"I don't like hamburger."
"I'm a great cook."
"I give good advice."

Gradually, our personal narrative and life-direction take shape, thanks to those internal voices constantly supporting the narrative and sounding the alarm if something "doesn't fit."

Like a compliment, if you don't think highly of your skills, or a fit of indignation, if someone suggests your great idea has some practical flaws.

In short, the voices in your head are a feedback loop, selectively perceiving and interpreting events to reinforce what you already believe about yourself. 
Which is fine, right up until self-messages clash with reality, and you have to choose between ignoring the evidence or taking a deep breath, stiff-arming pride and listening to the voices OUTSIDE your head...

...and give the voices in your head some fresh material.
Listen
Consider
Change
Grow
Repeat