Emotional addictions are just as powerful and can be just as devastating as physical addictions such as nicotine, drugs and alcohol. One such emotional addiction is praise. We all want to be acknowledged and validated but when our self-worth or our self-esteem depends on the praise of others we may have a praise addiction.

Praise addiction is characterized by a lifestyle that revolves around eliciting positive attention from others by putting yourself in situations where you strive for recognition or by surrounding yourself with friends who consistently flatter you giving you the fix you so desperately need. Just like other addictions, you will feel the manic high associated with a fix and the despair as the high wears off. The ups and downs of praise addiction require serious consideration.

Praise, in moderation, is a good thing. However, many parents over-praise their children in an attempt to raise self-esteem. Self-esteem is raised by doing, by accomplishment, by achieving, not by praise. Confidence without competence is arrogance. It is quite possible that well meaning parents, teachers and other mentors have conditioned you to only feel valued when you are praised. Don’t fall into that trap! You are good enough on your own even if no one tells you. (more…)