Approval Rating, Vantage Point

My approval rating has dropped three points.

How does one go about determining an "approval rating"?

Sticks and stones, be popular, I'm rubber you're glue, who's who: so much emphasis is placed on beauty, popularity, strength, and success. Where am I on your scale; do I measure up? Do I care? Of course I care! I'd love to lie and fool you into believing I don't, but I have a disorder that screams otherwise.

I want to be seen. I want to be heard. I want to be validated. I want that approval. I am plagued by the never-ending desire to be approved of. Personally, I can honestly say I have never truly lacked in self-confidence or self-esteem, but I feel like nothing I've done in my life has been noticed; nothing has warranted a reaffirming response.*

*Disclaimer: I am not asking for pity, sympathy, or reassurance, I am simply expressing feelings and emotions that may have contributed to my eating disorder. Yes, I am well aware that these feelings are most likely skewed due to my, let's say, "unique" mind, as warped and twisted as it might be.

An approval rating all depends on where you're looking at the situation from: your vantage point. What I must come to realize and accept is, the only person whose opinion actually counts is mine. Not yours, or his, or hers. Just mine. I'm not running for president (yet). I have nothing to prove. Throughout this journey, this process, I have reestablished my identity, reintroduced me to myself.

My approval rating has jumped 97 points. 

It's all about perspective.