That is my first reaction. In every possible scenario.

Like for my last two stories, the editor didn’t clap or comment.

My reaction should be 1. Maybe they are busy, it’s the weekend after all. Or 2. Worst case, maybe they didn’t like the story, it’s okay, you’ll do better next time. They published it, that’s more than enough.

Instead it’s 3. They hate you now. They absolutely do. Now go down a self-loathing spiral that you can’t get out of.

A voice in my head, which sounds like a fairy godmother goes, see this is why you can’t make friends.

Well.