Here's an interesting article from the New York Times on a new wave of research on the importance of Self Compassion, which as the article states "is not to be confused with self indulgence or lower standards."  Becoming a good friend to yourself is a part of more successfully handling the inevitable ups and downs of life. Here's the link:  http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/28/go-easy-on-yourself-a-new-wave-...