After analyzing a few traits that I attribute to myself it has dawned on me that I view myself in a very positive light.

In regards to independent construal of self, I believe the way I see myself as a driven, caring, and independent individual directly reflect that I constantly try to express myself as someone who doesn’t need help from others in public, and that even though I don’t need to be cared for, that I care a lot for others and that I will look after others. I then look to verify opinions, for example how I view myself as very driven, by comparing myself to others my age, or others who have endured things that I have in life.

The interdependent construal of self in my internalization really shows when I regard myself as a friend, son, and fiancé. In this concept, the satisfaction I get from pleasing those close to me, for example my mother, friends, and fiancé, gives me a sense of self-esteem and completeness. My ongoing and success in those relationships are a big part of my psyche, and in turn play a big part of who I am and who I view myself as.

Based on the answers to the question, “who am I?”, I believe I am very independent on my construal of self.

Independent construal of self and interdependent construal of self are very prominent in our culture. Often you will hear “be yourself, everyone else is taken” or “be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind,” and that is a very independent way to construe oneself. In contrast you often hear “birds of a feather, flock together” giving you a more interdependent feeling of self.

Hindsight, it was much easier thinking of an independent proverb as opposed to an interdependent one, that I am still looking to replace. I believe this is because I often think of myself as independent and pride myself in that idea. Growing up, my family always taught me to never depend on anyone for success in life, and that hard work will get you anywhere. Clearly, those lessons have stuck well!