What’s wrong with having pride in yourself or someone or something? Nothing at all – if you don’t overdo it. You should be proud of your accomplishments or those of your child or family member or friend. You should be proud of where you live or work or go to school. You should be proud that you are living your best life. But are you so proud that you believe you or your child or favorite singer or country is the best?

If you believe in the Ten Commandments, the very first one is “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” In other words, you or your child or family member or friend or favorite whoever or country may be good or even great, but they are not the alpha or the omega.

Your belief in them is commendable, as long as that belief is not overzealous. For example, people who believe that their status is better than others because they are wealthy or your child who can do something very well; or you got major kudos and a raise because you were doing your job well or you believe you live in the best country in the world. All of these actions deserve praise, not flouting, boasting, or bragging.

And sometimes I think that while competition is healthy, it is another form of the “I’m the best” campaign that people seem to strive for. It should exist, but it should not result in animosity or envy or any form of low self-esteem for someone who did not win if good sportsmanship is not displayed (on everyone’s part).

Wars start this way, bullies are created this way, and losing friends or family starts this way.