23. Submitted For Your Approval

Later that night, Blondie assured Brat Boy she approved of his new girlfriend.  Brat Boy pointed out he didn’t need her approval.  Blondie laughed and gave him permission to continue dating her. Brat Boy shook his head, muttered something about crazy sisters, and turned back to his homework.

Over the years I’d met many people who got hooked seeking other people’s approval.  Too often their boyfriend or girlfriend got them started on a particular drug.  I’d met many more who relapsed because of someone’s disapproval.  “You think you’re too good to drink with us?” their loved ones would ask.   

I thought about the people in my life, whose approval I needed, whose approval I valued, and whose I’d be foolish to seek.  I made seeking approval wisely my goal for the day.   

Today I will be careful about whose approval I seek.

Sober Not Somber © 2015 by Ken Montrose

(Just a reminder: Sober Not Somber is a work of fiction.  Any resemblance to anyone you might know is purely coincidental.)