[jester]

For years I've heard this from other's and I've suddenly come to a complete stop with defining it. "Pat yourself on the back", someone said to me after telling them that I completed the things i had on my daily "list of things to do".
Just what exactly is it to pat oneself on the back after doing anything that deserves as such I ask myself.
What does it mean to you to pat yourself on the back after deserving it?

[nothemama8]

I think it really means that you need to be proud of yourself for a job well done, be good to yourself also
Angie

[vacantangel]

I agree with all of the above 3 replies.

[sqrlb8]

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