Too Much Self Love? Someone Needs to Push Jamie Down a Peg

Self-love is so important in today’s world. In a society in which individuals are able to hide behind screens and attack a person’s every flaw, it can be tough to keep up confidence. Self-love is a skill that needs to be practiced. However, as of publication, most people agreed Jamie Lister (E ’20) got too good at it and now should probably be pushed down a peg.

After low self-esteem throughout middle school, Jamie has actively worked to accept every one of her flaws. Sources close to Jamie were shocked she was able to find the mental fortitude to love all of herself, considering the fact that she has so many bad traits including her annoying voice, nagging positivity, and poor sense of style. 

Although radical acceptance is good, most in Jamie’s close-knit community feel it’s a little too much on her. A study sponsored by Penn’s neuroscience program found that a shocking 73% of those who know Jamie agree that she should find something about herself to feel ashamed of. She was nicer that way.

For years, positive psychologists have pushed the concept of complete self-love and acceptance because they didn’t feel anyone would ever reach that wholesome Nirvana-like state of mind. “None of us really thought through what the implications of any of this would be, you know?” noted Dr. Michael Aglehousen, team leader of the study that followed Jamie on her journey toward self-improvement. “In theory, communism is the ideal form for society, but in practice, it is ripe for abuse and corruption. This is similar to the results we found on Jamie’s self-love. In theory, we all felt like this would be good for Jamie, like, ‘Yass queen. Love and respect yourself!' What we didn’t think through was how insufferable she would become. You see, in practice, once she developed complete self-love and respect we were like, ‘Jamie’s kind of a bitch now.’"

In response to this groundbreaking research, positive psychologists now feel people’s lives should include a healthy mix of unapologetic self-love and a deep personal desire to change who you are.

“Life is a balancing act,” said Dr. Aglehousen.