You know the childhood chant by heart: “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” If only it were true. The fact is that words often hurt more than we like to admit. Most of us bruise too easily. We take offense anytime we get criticized. We sidestep rejection at all costs. We live in a cocoon of self-protection, avoiding any information inconsistent with how we see ourselves or that would make us better. As a result of our “thin skin,” we don’t benefit from the many learnings life wants to teach us. It’s safer that way.