What Are your Rules?

What does it take for you to feel loved, accepted, significant, etc. Do you know? How much, for how long, by when? Do you have answers for these questions? How can you expect others to know if you don't even know for yourself? Do you know how many times per day you need to hear "I love you" How many hugs and kisses do I need in order to feel loved? How many people do you need to tell you that you're doing a great job for you to feel significant? These are important questions, especially if you expect others to meet your needs. I'm sure most people don't stop to think about things is those terms. I never did. I just knew that there were times in my life when I felt totally content and there were times when I didn't. It wasn't until a few years ago, when I came across a Tony Robbins training video that I even considered asking myself those questions. I did ask myself, What will it take to make me happy, what do I need to do to feel content? But I didn't ask in terms of being that specific until I did an exercise in which I wrote down in each category what needs to happen in order for me to feel - loved, successful, content in my career, relationships, health and fitness, spirituality, contribution. Once we clarify what our rules are, we can then get a better picture of how realistic they are and whether or not we can get our needs met. It also allows us to take responsibility for our own happiness and our own well being. What are your rules?