I can relate Mama \:\) We have a joke in our family that relates to wanting WOA. I love it too. When I do something that I think deserves praise I go overboard looking for it. J will say "whilly whoop!" because he says that I often expect someone to do them when I want that praise. It happened when we finished D12 room last week.. I kept dragging him in there and saying "doesnt it look great?" lol Even the kids know I'm that way... if they offer up WOA..example.. D12 said her room turned out better than she pictured it and thanked me. She said she'd never have picked out the bedding I suggested, but it turned out great. Then I sayd "because..." and she said "because you're awesome of course!" Poor kids.. when I say "because" they all follow it with "youre awesome" and we laugh about it.

Don't beat yourself up Mama.. you're human, and you're awesome. It's helped me to admit things about myself to my family that aren't exactly attractive and to share with them my personal struggles. I have to believe that I'm acceptable and loveable in spite of my weaknesses before they'll believe it too. Admitting that I have those weaknesses and asking them to understand me and love me in spite of them is half the battle. I had to explain to S20 last night that I'm trying not to be a fixer, but that I was feeling guilty for not fixing some banking business for him. I told him I'm sorry if he feels like I'm letting him down and not being the Mom he's always been able to depend on. Turns out, he thanked me for not transferring money into his checking account because he's trying to make a habit to keep up with his finances himself and not depend on me. The honestly is helping so much with us understanding each other. I think in the past I wouldve transferred the money and then made a comment about him not handling his responsibilities. I'd have resented fixing it and he'd have resented me pointing out that he failed. This way we're working together.. and a lot of times we laugh and joke about our struggles. It would be great if I could be self confident enough to not need other's to give me WOA and fill in the void. That's not reality right now though, and I'm working on it. It's helped to admit my weakness, and it feels good to know that others understand it and accept me for it anyway. And, they can lable my actions truthfully.. J can say.. "oh, this is Sheila needing approval" rather than feeling like he's failing me in some way because the truth is.. it's my weakness, not his. He is more willing to help when he understands that, and isnt expected to read my mind or feel like it's his failure when I'm feeling needy.

So hey, we all know you need WOA now \:\) Great job Mama.. thanks for sharing. What would your H say if you approached him with the truth? If you said "honey, I'm feeling out of sorts and anxious today. Could you give me a big hug and tell me I'm a good Mom and wife?"