Yes, that's why I qualified self-worth by field of competency. I really try to view the world objectively, ignoring the opinions of others, but after N fizzled relationships... is it me or is it you?

But just because you are detached from societal values doesn't imply you should be detached from people. I can't enumerate the intangibles I get by surrounding myself with others. I perform better, I have better ideas, I feel more alert. I've never been able to understand why as I never gain any objective aid. Does unexpected input promote flexible thinking? Am I inspired by differing worldviews to think outside the box. Or is it simple happiness? No idea.

The closest conclusion is that some people are flexible and looking forward and others are rigid and looking for reasons to be dissatisfied.

This was a very interesting discussion, and I just wanted to note that both of you are extremely articulate and I quite enjoyed reading your thoughts on this.

- random stranger

I was reflecting on this conversation and since a random stranger seems to be interested….

I wish I had been kinder with my description of the less flexible. A better description I think is rigid and relates to others through dissatisfaction.