Re feeling valued: I spent two years in Switzerland, as a ten year old and as an 18 year old. Both times, I felt devalued. Yes, their streets are clean and the trains run on time. But one must adhere to the social mores. I was scolded by my teacher for not knowing the word pumpkin in French ("why don't you know it?"), scolded by a store clerk for trying on a piece of clothing without permission, and so on. As a teacher, I felt both valued and devalued, depending on the parent/principal involved. And society devalued me as a teacher. "Just a teacher." Luckily, most of the parents were respectful and valued me. In my hometown, I feel valued daily. Friendly shopkeepers, friendly neighbors, people offering to help, passersby smiling and saying hello. And surprising to me, I have felt valued as a retiree/older person. People show me respect and helpfulness and kindness.
Re feeling valued: I spent two years in Switzerland, as a ten year old and as an 18 year old. Both times, I felt devalued. Yes, their streets are clean and the trains run on time. But one must adhere to the social mores. I was scolded by my teacher for not knowing the word pumpkin in French ("why don't you know it?"), scolded by a store clerk for trying on a piece of clothing without permission, and so on. As a teacher, I felt both valued and devalued, depending on the parent/principal involved. And society devalued me as a teacher. "Just a teacher." Luckily, most of the parents were respectful and valued me. In my hometown, I feel valued daily. Friendly shopkeepers, friendly neighbors, people offering to help, passersby smiling and saying hello. And surprising to me, I have felt valued as a retiree/older person. People show me respect and helpfulness and kindness.