Are we seeking the love or the approval of others?

When I was growing up I got spankings when I did something wrong, I was pushed by my parents to do good in school and to respect others. Sometimes I got angry with my parents for doing this but one day I realized that they LOVED me enough not to accept me failing at becoming a man and didn't give up and say "well my son wants to quit school because he is homesick so it's ok" I'm glad they encouraged me to do and be better. I never had to seek their love because it was ALWAYS there. They didnt approve of every decision i made and they voiced their opinion about it, but disapproval doesnt equal hate. If I would've quit school they still would've loved me they just wouldn't have approved my decision. So we must ask ourselves am I seeking something that is already there or does the approval of others drive me? Parents who love there children might not approve of EVERYTHING they do but they love them enough to push them to be better. I hope u love me after reading this. Be blessed