Maybe I misunderstood, this is not a workplace issue where you have no control over the proximity to people that constantly require validation? People you choose to be around will have their own liberties, by all means, share your life in a way that isn't toxic, with people who aren't toxic. Duh? Are you 12 and still enslaved to family culture? Small Town mentality types blocking you into a defensive corner about your value to a small portion of the world population? Sorry if I misunderstood.