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A comment on Ask HN: What is the best advice you got on any aspect of life?.

Re:Ask HN: What is the best advice you got on any aspect of ... by urthor on Wednesday February 15, 2023 @07:07AM (#34802720)
Some piece of psychology research said having others depend on you is a deep source of happiness. You were contributing to the hunter gatherer tribe or whatnot.

Another piece of psychological research. When you did something for a gold star reward, and they took the reward away, people stopped enjoying the activity.

Aka, just do kind deeds for others. Everything will be alright.

Also, do stuff for others, for free, using software. It's a really important part of enjoying your job.

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Re:Ask HN: What is the best advice you got on any aspect of ... by iLoveOncall on Wednesday February 15, 2023 @07:19AM (#34802813)
> Some piece of psychology research said having others depend on you is a deep source of happiness.

I find it to be the absolute opposite. It's absolutely draining.

You can quickly become exhausted and apathic when constantly having people rely on you.

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Re:Ask HN: What is the best advice you got on any aspect of ... by urthor on Wednesday February 15, 2023 @07:42PM (#34813297)
Often, what people truly need from you is a kick up the backside.
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Re:Ask HN: What is the best advice you got on any aspect of ... by titaniumdafodil on Saturday February 18, 2023 @01:55AM (#34844646)
There's a difference between interdependence and dependence, I believe the former is what he meant based on the tribe context
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Re:Ask HN: What is the best advice you got on any aspect of ... by tcbawo on Wednesday February 15, 2023 @08:21AM (#34803425)
I can think of a person in my family that needs to be needed in this way. Since I am somewhat independent, she is put off, probably subconsciously. Trying to find ways to be needed feels artificial. It’s hard to reconcile this. Maybe therapy.
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Re:Ask HN: What is the best advice you got on any aspect of ... by urthor on Wednesday February 15, 2023 @07:44PM (#34813314)
Explain, clearly, the fact you're perfectly alright.

And, lay out for them another important job to get on with.

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