My ego thanks you

So the day after I wrote the Edward and Bella post a well read livejournal user found it and linked to it. Thus began a series of off-site links to my post and conversation on all of those threads as well, with overwhelming positive response and agreement to what I had posted.

I read each comment on each and every one of these threads, my mouth salivating in anticipation of the next compliment. I turned to my husband time and again saying, “Oh, listen to this one.” One comment that still makes me laugh when I think about it went something like this, “Dude, that essay is so bamf.”

Yes, I had to look up what bamf meant. But despite the colorful language involved, I was thrilled this person had said that of my post. My ego has been well fed over the last two days.

And it made me realize what I haven’t been willing to admit.

I don’t just write this blog for myself. On occasion, I do. But a lot of the time I write things with readers in mind. I crave comments. I thrive on comments. I love it when you love what I’ve written. It makes me feel liked. Feeling liked is a happy thing. Liking myself is a happy thing. But not when I depend so much on you for validation of it.

Perhaps I’m more like Bella than I’d like to think.

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January 24, 2008 | Filed Under Random

Comments

9 Responses to “My ego thanks you”

Christine on January 24th, 2008 2:38 pm

That’s wonderful Summer. Although I’ve never read any of her books, I enjoyed reading all of the comments on both your post and his.
Kimberly on January 24th, 2008 4:29 pm

It’s nice to have a moment of clarity wherein our motivations are laid bare to us. When you know what you want and why you want it, it’s easier to work for it.

I blog for the same reasons. Sometimes for me, but mostly for the validation, the ego boost, the little kick of confidence. If it weren’t for blogging these past two years I never would have attempted to write my first book. Never.

So. Yes. It’s all good!
Deb - Mom of 3 Girls on January 24th, 2008 5:18 pm

I agree - getting comments is like extra icing on the cake… Somehow just knowing others out there are reading (and liking!) something that you’ve written, really helps brighten up a day. :)
aubrey on January 24th, 2008 5:37 pm

wow. nice job. and we all have a little bella in each of us. why else would we have devoured those three books so quickly? (and i love the comments too.)
Dedee on January 24th, 2008 6:19 pm

I think we are all like Bella more than we want to admit. Enjoy all those comments.
Kellan on January 24th, 2008 7:42 pm

What I love most about blogging is - the writing. I really just want to spend my creative time writing and writing and writing. I wish I had more time to write. But, I do love hearing what people have to say about my stories, my thoughts, my writing - I think we all like that - the interaction. It is very rewarding on so many levels and yet it can be obsessive as well. Glad you had such a good day! Take care - Kellan
JaniceNW on January 25th, 2008 3:50 am

I think we all like comments. Summer, thanks for your kindness recently. I’m still working on finding time for Him.

You are a terrific friend. Hugs.
Loni on January 25th, 2008 6:20 am

Yeah, I had a hard time balancing the desires to write between ego validation and more of a journal/keep ya posted type thing. I had to choose the latter because I just couldn’t find the time to keep up the former. But I still know exactly what you’re talking about with comments.

Love ya!
Melissa on January 30th, 2008 1:22 pm

I too crave comments… it’s always disappointing to see that I’ve only got a few… love it when the numbers creep up there a little higher :D

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