In NMMNG we learn about covert contracts: the action of doing something for someone with the expectation that the person we're doing it for will then owe us what we want in the future. We do this instead of communicating what we actually need and in spite of what we actually want to do. For example, I used to clean the house with the covert contract with my wife that she'd then blow me.

I have been working on removing covert contracts from my life for the past few months, and have had great results with it. However, today I realized a thought pattern I hadn't yet identified with and wanted to see who else has experienced this.

I noticed that when I deal with people, I often think "this person wants something from me". Because I used covert contracts for so long, I projected that mindset on others. As a result I have trouble connecting with people; I will avoid people because I think they want something for me. I second-guess all people's intentions, looking for the true reason behind their actions. Finally, I think that others will think that I want something from then if I reach out to them, thus, keeping to myself.

Have any of you experienced this? How did you deal with it?