Hi Jester. I'm thinking that you prabably don't really have a problem understanding a pat on the back as a spontaneous gesture of admiration for a job well done. I'm guessing your question comes more from having possibly heard the admonition to apply the gesture to yourself more often than you appreciate.

If that's the case, I would suspect that it's one of those Hallmark Card, one liner, pop psych junk speak devices that people completely ignorant about mental illness employ to raise our diminished self image out of wretchedness.

So much of what people say to eachother is automatic and without meaning or consideration. Might as well filter it for yourself accordingly.

take care