Hi all,

When it comes to relationships and other stuff, like work, education, etc., my mother's approval is important to me, but I don't substitute her opinion for my own. I definitely want to know her opinion because she has very good judgment about things, usually better judgment than my own, but I don't really need her approval. It's nice, but not necessary.

Many years ago I was watching "Oprah" and a woman became a doctor because her mother wanted her to. And after all that schooling she realized she didn't want to be a doctor!

How important is your parents approval in your life?

They're dead but even then I didn't have it or need it. That may be what contributed to my hardass don't GAF attitude. But their approval wasn't necessary.

Not very.

In my case it would be my mother, and it's pretty important where I'm concerned but it's still my life and ultimately my decision on everything.

It's important because I respect them. If they really didn't approve of something, I'd have to examine why, because they're pretty level-headed people and it would really mean something if they didn't approve.

It's important, but I don't live for it. I'd prefer their respect/approval, but if I'm doing something–or living in a way–that I believe in, then that's what's most important.