Chasing other people's opinions.

People whose opinions of themselves are based on what others think of them, can't think well of themselves. They'll only think well of themselves if they like and respect who they are. Being "told" that they're good people, based on how others react to their actions, is superficial and has little positive long term effects for them.


Since chasing other people's opinions, only appears to achieve its goal, it ends up lasting mere seconds. To sustain this desired good feeling they must continue chasing for more positive reactions. In that sense, attention is sometimes like a drug, offering only a fleeting effect. These people, expecting a long lasting good feeling, tend to become frustrated, angry and, thoroughly, unhappy.


from:
Rabbi Shmuel Gluck       http://www.areivim.com/