Locus of value

I used to be eager to please people, because I wanted their approval as an index of my value. It was because I was internally snivelling that I was so obsequious, kowtowing, and then regularly hurt because people did not seem to be praising me.

I had internal contempt for myself yet wanted others to value me.

They backed off.

And so I was hurt or offended.

Being hurt or offended is always a sign of insecurity and self-loathing, denied and projected out.

The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune are all located on the inside, mirrored on the outside.

When I was offended, I saw things as offensive. The passive ending (-ed) implied your attack.

"I don't need anyone" can be a denial of the Uriah Heep drive, a deception.

Or it can be the recognition that I require nothing from anyone.

There will indeed be plenty of people in my life, but their identities and roles will shift as God sees fit.