Ready to Pounce

I feel that for example:

If someone firmly tells me to have confidence,
I can take it as a criticism,
OR acknowledge their efforts in trying to help me, even,
if what they said came off as more aggressive than I’d ever talk to them,

So,
I guess I can practice,
taking it more positively,

Yet in general,
(And mostly pertaining to my past..),
If the only friendships I can find are toxic,
I won’t admit it when hangin with them in the moment,
Out of a need to have friends,

Yet sometimes,
I fall into the trap of those egos,
Who are just sitting there,
waiting..,

Waiting as a crocodile ready to pounce,
When I once again,
Arrive at the edge of the water,
To try to replenish another need,
For social connection,

And well,
Of course,
May I have more confidence,
To avoid more and more danger,

As I put myself more and more out there in the fresh air