THE MIRROR: ADMIRATION VS INTIMIDATION

We all have people we like and others we don't particularly care for, whether it's because of their personalities or what they have. Yet, we might still admire them.

But what happens after that admiration?

Does it stop at admiration, or does it lead to self-loathing and pressure to become someone you're not?

I've seen people dress in ways that make them miserable just because someone they admire dresses that way.

The fact that you admire someone or something they do doesn’t mean you should feel intimidated by them.

You are not inferior to anyone just because they possess qualities you don’t. Identity runs parallel.

Consider this conversation between A and B:

A: "What’s up with your friend?"

B: "Which one?"

A: "Cynthia, of course. Does she think she’s the only brilliant person in the world? She’s just flaunting her success everywhere."

B: "If she’s oppressing you, then outdo her with even greater success."

A: "Watch me. No one will take first place next year but me."

B: "Good for you."

A: "Whatever."

Phase 2

A: "Hey man, I saw the new SUV. Slow down a bit, you’re just showing off with new cars left and right."

B: "Is that Barrister Kole?"

A: "Let me call you back. My girl just got home."

A: "Welcome, honey."

B: "Thanks. Who were you talking to?"

A: "You already know, it’s no one else."

B: "Did Barrister Kole buy another car? That’s more money in his pocket."

A: "Yeah, I’m happy for him, but when..."

B: "When what?"

A: "When are we going to get a new car? It’s been three years with this one."

B: "Hmm..."

Phase 3

A: "Lola is stunning! She doesn’t have acne, she’s tall, and she’s light-skinned. I wish I were as beautiful as her."

B: "You’re being ignorant. Have you ever taken a moment to see how beautiful you are? Lola is beautiful, but you’re not bad either. Imagine if everyone in the world looked like Lola."

A: "That’s true."

"Oppression" seems to be the new buzzword.

I've noticed that people often feel intimidated by the success or personality of someone they admire.

But intimidation is no longer the word we use. It’s now called "oppression," and in this day and age, it seems almost normal to oppress and be oppressed.

But listen, everyone has the right to be and look their best within their own capacity.

Your purpose and goals are different and unique.

Setting aside your own identity to take on someone else’s can be a sign of an inferiority complex.

It’s good to admire others and their successes, but that shouldn’t be the yardstick by which you measure your own identity and success.

Instead of being intimidated by someone else, why not work on becoming the best version of yourself?

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