Quote

[Jennifer5]

I'd much rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I'm not.

What does that quote mean to you?

[Rick336]

Jennifer,

Thanks for that quote. I love it.

To me it means that life is so much better when we live our lives as God intended instead of pretending to be something we're not.

I believe a healthy self-esteem requires that we approve of ourselves simply because we believe we have values that are worthy of happiness.

And I think an unhealthy self-esteem is when our self-acceptance relies completely on the approval of others.

The way I see it, sometimes closeted gay people are afraid to be open for no other reason than fear of disapproval from others.

And I believe many ex-gays seek to change their natural sexual and affectional orientation as an attempt to get the approval of their family, peers, society and God. Organizations like Focus on the Family and Exodus give them the approval they're looking for. They get married, have a family, and try to be straight only because it gives them the approval they desperately need.

But if a person has a healthy self-esteem they're happy with themselves no matter what others think. They know that their values and goals make them a good, moral person worthy of a good life.

"I'd much rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not" That's the attitude of somebody who has high self-esteem.

Rick

[Jennifer5]

Thanks Rick

[keltic63]

it means you've seen the magnets on my refrigerator!

[Rick336]

I guess I don't mean to say that all closeted gay people or every ex-gay has low self-esteem. But from everything I've learned, self-esteem problems are the reason why so many people are unhappy with their lives.

It's also the reason so many people have self-destructive habits like alcohol abuse, drug abuse, unsafe sex, unhealthy diets, wreckless driving and other dangerous habits and addictions.

Low self-esteem contributes to health problems, financial problems, religious fanaticism, racism, sexism, homophobia, divorce, spouse abuse, child abuse, child molestation, animal abuse, uncontrolled rage, suicide, robbery, rape, murder, and a list of other problems.

So basically low self-esteem contributes to a lot of unhappiness in the world.

I'm not an expert on this, but I have read a lot from experts on the subject over the years. It seems to make sense.

Rick

[Jennifer5]

Rick.... what you say does make sense. Thanks.

Keltic..... I have to say, you'll have to explain yours... I'm slow with these things.


Thanks for responding to this... I don't know why but I liked the quote... I'm starting to understand a little more clearly.........unfortunatly I'll probably miss a lot... I have to go a whole 2-3 days again without checking this site (or any site)... but I'll attempt to catch up evenually oh well... see you in a couple of days