Approval, II

I'm not supposed to base my own feelings of self-worth on what others think of me. I'm to shrug off their criticisms, turn a cold shoulder to rejection, and continue on undaunted. I'm not supposed to stagger off my path from a glancing blow to my self-esteem. So I'm told, over and over.

But I want to be approved of, want to be liked, want to be admired. Can I help that? It will always be a hard lump to swallow when I don't get my way.