2. The Giver
ego-flattery, the passion is pride
by Torre Waag

If you play the part of the Giver, your life will revolve around people and relationships. You will move naturally toward others, empathizing with them, supporting them and being helpful. You see the best in others, both as they are now and as they could become. While noticing the needs of others, you may have a sense of not having any needs yourself. What could you need? It is others who need you. This is your passion of independent pride. But underneath your pseudo independence, you may discover that you are seeking the approval of others. In fact, there may be times when you recognize how needy and dependent you really are. Even your identity and your generally high self-esteem comes from the opinion of others. In a relationship with that special person you may become like them, sharing their interests and activities, merging with their likes and dislikes. Later you may question who you really are and what your true identity is. You are often upbeat, emotional, and enthusiastic. You may be the center of a social scene or philanthropic endeavor. On the high side you are genuinely helpful, caring and supportive. You are the power behind the throne. On the low side you tend to be needy, clinging, manipulative, even hysterical. Some Giver images include Daddy's girl, the classic Jewish mother and obsessive lovers. Some exemplars of Givers include Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction, Elvis, Smokey Robinson, Mr Rodgers, Madonna, and Mother Teresa. Always striving to help others you may notice that when you let go of your need to be helpful the Divine Will (telos) is always at work in all things.

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