Hi,
Thanks for responding, I did a quick google search about IDS as well, but didn't find too much material. I read a very interesting paper about the theory that IDS is an evolutionary trait as well as a learned behavior, it was a bit wordy for me so I can't say I understood it 100%. It makes sense to me that IDS is a learned behavior, but find it hard to image this as a trait inherited from one generation to the next, althought that is what the author seemed to imply.
In addition to IDS, the main cause for my 'apolgism' (and possibly everyone who has it) is lack of self esteem. I am aware of my low self esteem but have never really conquered it or even systematically addressed it. I guess its just something that comes naturally, or it becomes part of you so you barely notice, except ofcourse for the shame it causes. I have experienced your example as well many times, if someone bumps into me, I am likely to apologize and feel bad for being there in the first place. After that feeling, I will feel shame for feeling guilty about something so insignificant, so its almost like cycle of negative self thought.
I also hope this program will address self esteem issues and that I see some positive changes in my life. I'm starting session 2 today, so hopefully it'll be as interesting as the first.
p.s if you found some interesting reading on IDS online you should post it here.