I find that both myself and my generation as a whole are far too concerned with the opinions and approval of others. I was contemplating my current college social situation last evening, and I realized something. We reach out to others for approval, pleasure and, above all, acceptance. We crave it, as it reinforces our sense of self. What I mean is, we look to others for confirmation of our worth. We use others as a guage of our competency when, indeed, we should be realizing and appreciating our value on a personal, subjective level.
I digress, though; all this philosophy lacks application without an example. What brought me around to the above conclusion was the realization that I only have three, maybe four friends. You guys know who you are. If you know you are not one of those people, don't refer to me in conversation as "my friend Andy." Please use "this guy I know" or "an acquaitance of mine." I would also appreciate it if you limited uses of the phrases "douchebag," "asshole," or "dickweed" when referring to me.
So, what do all these gratuitous obscenities have to do with self-investment? Admittedly not much. In any case, in order to maintain some dignity, I've had to take some pride in who I am. I would also take time to mention that pride is like fire; lack of caution will result in getting burned. I never really used to realize why pride has classically been referred to as one of the notorious seven deadly sins until I looked at the proud people I know. I began realizing that it was self-destructive and, frankly, fucking annoying as hell.
In essense, what am I saying? Only that you're as good as you make yourself, not as good as others make you out to be. Be proud, but avoid hubris. Overly-proud people are detestible at best, damnable at worst.
On a briefer, more amusing note, I've found how my emotions cycle. Observe:
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