How to Need Less Approval and Attention from Others

A therapist explains how to build a stronger sense of self

Kathleen Smith
Forge
Published in
3 min readJan 31, 2022

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Source: Canva

As humans, we often use our relationships to manage anxiety. We borrow confidence, calmness, or reassurance from our family, friends, or even strangers on the Internet. And we are quick to lend them back when others are distressed.

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Kathleen Smith
Forge
Writer for

Kathleen Smith is a therapist and author of the book Everything Isn’t Terrible: Conquer Your Insecurities, Interrupt Your Anxiety, and Finally Calm Down.