validation

Sometimes I agonize so much about how I come off to others it's ridiculous. I was e-mailing back and forth with a girlfriend about some of my (thousands of) insecurities of course in the context of dating. I was lamenting that I have nothing to say that doesn't relate in some way to five year olds (having one at home and working with them all day at school). Here was a part of her reply. Sometimes it's nice for someone else to affirm what you try so hard to be and see in yourself. "It's no consolation from me, but you are very smart and you come off very smart and confident, almost intimidatingly so.... I think him seeing your interests outside of kids is a plus, but also your love for kids and ability to teach kids who most people can't even figure out how to communicate is a huge part of who you are. You went to enough school to be making double what you must be making (I'm pulling this out of the blue) if you'd chosen another field. That is a really big deal. The balance of having a strong sense of self and desire to better yourself, and also dedication to sacrifice and better the world around you in some way is a very rare and spectacular thing. You're giving and empathetic but not a doormat. Anyone who is dating you needs to get that and be completely blown away by how amazing that is. " Have a nice weekend. Take time to assure others... =)