I think this is a really truthful piece. People I know always try to convince me my work is better than I think it is, but I barely get any reviews. It leads me to believe that there's a few people who like my work just 'cause and the rest of the world is more discerning.

But of course, the logic applies to your friend too. Your encouraging words aren't enough to change her opinion of her work because her negative opinion creates a counterweight.

Livi