Gordie, i feel similar things... which is why it is so important to GAL outside of this MLC ordeal so that you have OTHER people who can validate you and appreciate you instead of her criticizing you all the time!
Part of me always thinks though that while those other people's appreciation is NICE and feels good, it really isn't as founded or in-depth as your Wife's since SHE is the one that knows the REAL you, so when SHE praises me, it means the world to me, much much more than what other acquaintances out there say kinda passingly you know?
That i feel is the real goal here, and it is what i am asking my counselor/therapist about wanting to work towards as well:
To become the kind of person that can be happy, complete, and content within himself WITHOUT needing approval by ANYONE. Become rock steady within yourself, know your own strengths and limits and let no one destabilize you anymore the way our wives are atm.
Obviously a lot of hyperbole is in there, and it really is more of a lifelong learning process etc. but you get the idea!
