Approval Theory

So I've been thinking lately about how we interact with people especially one's we have just met, and draw certain conclusions. Have you ever noticed that unconsciously you're acts and general behavior are done to seek approval? Everything from nodding you're head a little more vigorously than you normally would to cracking that not so funny joke and expectantly awaiting positive reactions from the crowd are done to get approval. It's not really a strange and surreal concept if you think about it. Our value as human beings depends on other people's perception of us and not on what we think of ourselves. That is to say that our value is not so much as what we are but of what people think we are. So to seek approval is but natural. But what happens when you realize that everyone seeks everyone else's approval? You become socially fearless with the knowledge that people seek YOUR approval as much as you do theirs and armed with such knowledge you can overcome shyness, and 'perform' social feats that you never thought you were capable of. From walking into a room full of people you don't know and chatting them up to building lasting relationships with people other than your childhood friends is a power that can only come with this realization. I tell you, go out, talk to strangers, even if it's just commenting on something, you don't need to have a conversation just an acknowledgment from the person that you said something. So try it and see the difference it makes in your life. Let go of the need to seek approval, to seek acceptance, to sometimes act like you're cooler and not talk to others because you would be the bigger loser if you keep that attitude towards every new person you meet.

Those of you who think that the more people you know the more superficial the relationships would be should dispel of this erroneous assumption. There was a study conducted that showed that people with a wider circle of friends are more likely to keep in touch with their friends as opposed to those with a smaller circle. They were not only more social but also more caring and concerned about the well-being of their peers. So make the change in yourself and see the quality of your life change.