@drjulie: 👉 That last line is a life rule to live by. Would you agree? “Don’t act on what pleases. Act on what matters.” Easier said than done when the prospect of disapproval or judgment fills you with fear of rejection. But, in the same way that self-worth gets corroded slowly with small decision after small decision, it also grows in that same, gradual way. So, in short, the small daily choices matter. A seemingly unimportant choice to betray yourself and let yourself down for the approval of someone else, sets you in a particular direction and increases the chances of you doing the same next time. Equally, finding small ways to advocate for yourself in everyday life sets you off in a different direction. One that is much better for you and your relationships. I would love to hear your own experiences of this. Chat with me in the comments. 👉 For more on this both my books have you covered. ‘Open When...’ was an instant No.1 Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller.. and I also cover some of this in my multi million copy bestseller, Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? Both available in over 40 languages. (The paperback has also just been released in the USA available in Target).

Dr Julie | Psychologist

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Monday 16 February 2026 16:28:21 GMT