do i still think people are out to manipulate me when they validate me? yes.

you know that saying "don't let the compliments get to your head", well seriously. you ever stop and wonder why people validate others? is it to encourage good behavior? or discourage being outcasted? like in this podcast, the example of academic validation fundamentally shapes children and really is just a form of manipulation. staying humble and grounded in your achievements (how big or small) is waiving the white flag in power dynamics.

like my dad would say, one is only great when others say you are great, not yourself.