E-G-O

"You need to leave your ego aside for sometime if you want to spend a happy life"


These were exactly the words that a friend of mine told me today. Well actually SMSed. I have always wondered what the word 'ego' means. But now it looks like I am a walking example of it. So its time for some introspection.

Let me not delve into the details on the context in which he mentioned this as that can become the topic of another post on this blog. But let me just consider the word ego. How much of it is necessary in one's life and where do I need to draw the line so that it doesnt become too obvious and frustrating for people.

Ego I think is more of a quality (I am not going to debate on whether its good or bad) that tends to affect your relationship with people. But what does ego mean. Let me not consider the dictionary meaning. Maybe I talk only about myself, maybe if I give my opinion more importance and not be willing to consider other's opinions or feelings, maybe if I give more weightage to self-importance, maybe I give more importance to self-esteem, self-image, maybe I use the letter 'I" a lot, and maybe thats why people think I am egoistic.

Or maybe I am just reading too much into it. But 'ego' is something I am sure people can manipulate. I can manipulate myself to portray myself as less egoistic or maybe more. But I can do that only if I get the feeling that people think I have crossed the line.

So now in order to bring this thing to conclusion I would like some 'honest' feedback. The cross-section of readers on this blog (though small) is pretty diverse. Some poeple have known me for 23 years, some for 6, and some for 1. I am going to request your opinion on 'ego'. Comment on the post if you want to remain anonymous, or just send me a mail. Though it will be a pleasant surprise if any of you actually do either!!!