“When we seek the gaze of another, it isn’t always our partner we are turning to—it’s the other in ourselves.”
— Esther Perel
Simplified Meaning:
Sometimes when we look for attention or approval from someone else, we are not just looking at them. We are actually looking for something inside of us. Imagine feeling lonely even when you are with friends or family. You might think that someone new will make you feel better. But what you actually need is to understand yourself more deeply. Think about times when you've felt uncertain and turned to someone for advice. Often, that conversation helps you realize something about your own thoughts and feelings. This means that while it looks like you need someone else, what you really need is inside you. To apply this idea, try spending time reflecting on your own feelings before seeking external approval. This can help you better understand what you truly need and feel more satisfied with yourself.
