U guys have sons? breaking the Cycle?

[insidious]

I have a young son, under 10. I'm trying my best to give him a fresh, powerful start in life. I am trying my best to avoid the domineering father trap. I don't tell him how to live, I don't tell him that (some really useless) s**t is wrong or right. He will discover some things on his own.

My goal right now is to give him some "general" guidlines and hope that he takes those and goes on to live his life according to whatever principles he see fit. So we are moving on to the woman stage. My main advice now? Tell me if this particularly bitter or pessmistic. Otherwise, it is WHAT I will convey to my little man:

Never change the way you live or the way you think according to another person. Never alter your life in order to make anyone happy or appease someone else's wishes or desires.
You, and you alone, control your life and your happiness. Never define your power or your strength by other's opinions. You are the only person who can make yourself happy, you are the only person in this world who can make yourself content with life As It Is.

Most of all, never try to build happiness by the presence of another person in your life. If you are strong and happy and content, all good things will follow. Learn patience and independence, grasshoppa

 

[arlanda]

Looks good. I would add something about respecting other people though. Women in particular are to be loved and not hated, used or abused.

 

[diablo]

Mature Man...

 

[WestCoaster]

Agree wtih arlanda

Your message is good, though a young child could take some of that to be narcissistic. One also needs cooperation and collaboration in life, otherwise one will never get a job, have friends, or get married.

I would add the respect theme, too. Respect your elders, be kind to people (that doesn't mean getting walked on) and never, ever hit, slap, or abuse a woman. Ever.

Be classy, not trashy; work on your friendships as well as your career. Go through life embracing people, not material things, but don't let society dictate your values.

Work hard on your education and career before marriage. Nothing worse than being in a crummy job and trying to stay positive about a relationship at the same time.