'We speak the language of the self as our native tongue. So much of the "common sense" advice that's given these days includes some variation on "self":
- Worried about how to act in a social situation? "Just be yourself."
- What's the good thing about your alcoholism/drug addiction/murder conviction? "I learned a lot about myself."
- Concerned about your performance? "Believe in yourself."(Often followed by "anything is possible.")
- Should you buy that new pair of shoes, or get the nose ring? "Yes, express yourself!"
- Why should you leave the unfulfilling relationship/quit the boring job/tell off you mother-in-law? "You have to respect yourself."
- Trying to get rid of the bad habit? "Be honest with yourself."
- Confused about about the best time to date or get married? "You have to love yourself before you can love someone else."
- Should you express your opinion? "Yes, stand up for yourself."'
Jean M Twenge, Generation Me: Why Today's Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled - and More Miserable Than Ever Before, p.50.
