A rabbi gave me a great piece of advice about how to respond when someone inevitably gets upset about something (which usually has nothing to do with you anyway) and says something like, “I was born Jewish, what do you know?” or “Who is a convert to tell me how to be Jewish?”
The answer? “That’s irrelevant.”
I doubt I would ever be able to say that to someone, but I think it’s a good thing to keep in mind. We converts have a tendency to imagine ourselves as second-class Jewish citizens long before anyone else does. I don’t know if it’s inherent human insecurities or if it’s special to converts, but we sure do seem to have a tendency to underestimate ourselves!
I've been introduced to way too many halachos from Geirim and BTs to trust myself. Having that freedom to ask questions without feeling stupid really lets one get an education…
A very good point! This is why I'm much happier now that I have some good friends who don't mind that I ask dumb (or apparently obvious!) questions!