You Like Me, You Really Like Me!

By Larry Hochman

Remember that line from Sally Field? I believe it was from the Academy Awards when she won the Best Actress Award for Norma Rae.

(This is going back a few years.)

Just a little throw away line she said when getting an award that is absolutely coveted by some of the most talented, creative, wealthy people on the planet.

She clutched that statue with tears streaming down her cheeks and uttered those famous words.

What does that tell you?

I'll tell you what it says to me. First, it says that despite all the money and fame and sense of accomplishment, at the end of the day all this lady wanted was recognition.

She had the same insecurities we all have, even at the top of her profession. Inside that powerful personality was a little girl seeking recognition and praise.

Second, it tells me that there is a danger in wrapping your self esteem around how others feel about you. I don't have a clue about Sally's personal life, and I hope she wouldn't be crushed if I didn't like her.

On any given day, I can name at least ten people who just don't like me. Some have no influence on what happens to me on a daily basis, and some have some kind of direct or indirect influence on how my day will go.

I bet there are some people who have real bitterness towards me.

There was a time when my thoughts were occupied with who likes me and who doesn't. And if you want to see that in action, go to your local high school and see how many people live their lives around who likes them and who doesn't!

That's why we put kids in school...they're not ready for the big bad world yet.

Here's my take on it...if I'm doing something that tees off a small segment of the world, it tells me I'm at least doing SOMETHING!

And I'd rather be doing something that nothing!

And now I look at the people who I don't like (and there are a few), but I don't HATE anyone. In fact, I wish them well.

I just want them to be well somewhere else.

And I believe those people feel the same way about me.

If they don't, that tells me something important... that I shouldn't worry about what they think of me because I don't respect their opinion in the first place!

So don't worry about the crowd. They've got their own mentality that belongs to them. You've got contol over your emotions and are independent of the opinions of others.

Besides, I like you. I really like you!

About the Author:

Larry Hochman is "The Guidance Guy" and the advice columnist for Rate My Teachers. Have a question on education or college? Visit the Guidance Guy blog at TheGuidanceGuy.com.