Hello @dana-edwards
I believe that there should always be a distinction between building personal Image and also seeking Love (approval)
If you spend time making decisions that you believe will make people like you, then you are in for the Long run
Someone out there will always dislike you , due to one reason or the other. It is just one of those things that happen In Life.
The solution is to Map out the ideal things that appeal to you as right an do them.
Empathy also have a role to play here, sometimes when making decisions you also have to place yourself in the shoe of the other person.
If you had to make decisions ethically but you have no capacity for empathy how would you do it?
That will be hard but Ethics will have to rule supreme.
Enjoyed your Last post too.