Self-esteem

I feel I can say this by experience and that I am no exception to the rule. I say, no one in this whole damn world can bend beyond a point, no matter how humble you see it. Beyond a particular vague point, you cannot take even self-criticism and resort to tell yourself - enough is enough. You cannot drag your ego cum self-esteem lower and you stop criticizing. Instead, you start protecting yourself from criticism and defend yourself under all circumstances. And then nobody can really play with your self-respect.