#288

Discover yourself; otherwise you have to depend on other people's opinions who don't know themselves. Osho

I have been there, and many have told me the experience is widespread. Someone telling you, usually in a negative, aggressive manner, who you are,  and what is 'wrong' with you is not something you need to tolerate.

The problem is...you do believe it, at least enough to feel it. It affects you and causes doubt. This is a method of control. They don't really KNOW you, and really don't care about knowing you. It is about them and only them. They need to be right, that is the most important thing. AND they don't even know themselves, they are functioning only on anger, resentment, jealousy, revenge or frustration.

People that put you down are fighting to build themselves up. But, nonetheless, someone that is always criticizing your every move will eventually wear you down. This is not a good position to be in. 

It's all about love and respect. It is very unlikely that you will suddenly start receiving any love or respect from these particular people, but that isn't the point anyhow. You need to have love and respect for yourself. Once you have that, you won't tolerate any disrespect from anyone. This is what is meant by discovering yourself. 

This is your show and you choose who you want to vote off the island. Choose carefully, you deserve people that will love and accept you. This refers to not only partners; but parents, relatives, siblings, friends, co-workers, bosses or anyone else that thinks they 'need' to run your life. It is YOUR life, you don't have to 'put up' with anyone. As you discover yourself, you'll find this to be true. The greatest love affair you'll ever have is with yourself.