Yes, yes, yes. The c-bet is a flop bet meant to take down the hand right then, or to figure out where you stand-- after that, a bet with nothing is a bluff. The c-bet will only work a couple of times before it loses respect. And it works best in position, with everyone checking to you. I overuse it, too -- and it's cost me tons. After a bit, the others know I will c-bet after a preflop raise and they just milk me dry. So I am trying to cut back. It's a tool, but cannot be a habit.
pokerlovesme caught the key -- a check shows "weakness." If that is your primary thought, it's an ego thing. Others will use it against you. Don't worry what they think. Consider only whether they will fold if you make that bet. Consider what you will learn by making that bet, and be prepared to act on it. When they call a c-bet, they are likely in the process of taking your chips -- unless you improve dramatically.
