Many of us have learned to control the responses of others by always
being pleasing and charming.
Maybe we feel it's better to have
others like us than to take a stand.
Maybe we only feel okay about
ourselves if others approve.
Some of us have certainly
learned
we have a sense of power and control
over people when
they like us.
Many of us have carried our people-pleasing behavior
so far
that we have really sold our souls for the applause of
others.
Are there problems or tensions in our lives from trying to
please someone?
Is fear of criticism preventing us from taking an
action that would be good for us?
Have we neglected our inner
voice by listening so hard to others?
As we get stronger,
healthier, more fully into our manhood,
not everyone will like
us.
Some people will be angry; others, not interested.
Once we
have faced our own life crises,
we are not so dependent on having
everyone's approval.
