Understand your parents’ intention. A long time ago, I was curious about whether my dad had the ability to be encouraging. He often points out our mistakes, discredits our successes, and can be rather critical at times. But I had never heard my dad praise and validate me, or anyone else for that matter. So one day, I asked my dad to say three positive things about me. “You are… very obedient,” my dad replied hesitantly. I thought to myself: Well, that’s not something I would consider positive, but okay I will take it. “So what’s the second positive thing about me?” I said. He took a while
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