This is a little embarrassing to admit because…as men, we’re told we have to be “masculine” and apparently everyone’s coming up with their own pre-conceived notions of what masculinity is…but if you know me, then you know honesty is forte.
This is about getting Likes or even Emojis for your work, posts, and social media. Essentially, it is “validation.” It’s cool to say things like, “I don’t NEED any validation”. Sure, sure.
The truth is…I don’t “NEED” it. But would I like it? Absolutely! Why does anyone post ANYTHING, if not to share and get some kind of reaction or validation back from the people who “follow” them. This isn’t a bad thing. We’re humans living in the age of technology. Once upon a time, we had local fairs and town squares. Now, we have social media.
Compliments, likes, and validation…it’s encouraging. It’s a demonstration of support or appreciation that you liked something. It feels good to get these things, especially for us artists!
I’m not saying anyone has to give a “like” if they don’t want to. What I’m attacking is this notion that “something is wrong for you for wanting or feeling uplifted by that validation,” even if it’s something as small and insignificant as a “like”.
It’s only when you find yourself addicted to that validation that you might run into a bit of trouble. And seeing how far I’ve come when I’ve sometimes gone months and years without any validation, reward, or recognition…I don’t think I have that issue.
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