Once upon a time, in college in the 70's, I took a sociology class in which we read about someone named Cooley. He developed something called The Looking Glass Theory. The idea was that we see ourselves reflected in how others behave towards us. The problem is that we are interpreting their behavior based on our BELIEFS, which may be inaccurate. For instance, if my boyfriend doesn't call me enough I may believe that he doesn't love me very much, I must not be very lovable, I devalue myself. In fact, he may not be a very chatty guy.

It seems that even if you base your own worth on others *opinions*, your are placing yourself beneath them, and giving up so much power and control. Such a lack of control would lead to (for me...) stress, worry, anxiety, depression....ya know? You darling bear, deserve SO much more than that (in my opinion...teehee).

Emmy's 5 cents. Big hugs sweet bear.