Approval and Pretence.

My first subject naturally would then be about approval and pretence. Clearly this has been on my brain lately and I feel I need to express these thoughts. Recently only recently have I discovered that the world is suffering at the high cost of pretence, or is it just maybe me... anyway I am one of the many souls guilty of this. Thankfully I realise it, but is it worth it? I suppose that its part of human nature to want to be accepted, but is it so hard for people to value other people’s opinions without betraying one’s own integrity. This is where I fail. I feel guilty because I have problem saying no to people for I assume I will disappoint people. I feel sometimes that I’d rather suffer the consequences and make someone happy; often I end up with the short end of the stick. I question myself as to why I do it, and for the most part, the only answer I have come to me so far is that I seek approval. Surely sacrificing yourself merely for the approval of others is destructive? Is the sensation of approval worth it? This is a question I live with... But apparently the need for approval outweighs the consequences of losing personal integrity. But is it actually your values that you are adjusting circumstantially or is it just compromise itself. I don’t know. It’ll come down to a circumstance I guess. What was my point to begin with.... I don’t mind as long as it’s okay with you!