I don't know if this is depression-related or not, but I've been getting into a lot of discussions lately about emotional entitlement, that concept of 'I deserve to be loved' or 'I have the right to be happy'.

I never have that sort of feeling like I deserve anything, or have the right to feel or expect anything. I don't think anyone does, really. Why do people think that being happy is a right & not a privilege? Why do people think they deserve to be loved, respected, etc. when they haven't done anything worthwhile or notable?

I don't know, maybe it's just me. I don't go out of my way to do anything anymore. I just try to be myself & get from one day to the next without causing too much inconvenience to the world around me.

How do you justify deserving to feel a certain way to other people? What makes you feel like you have a right to be happy or even content?