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I never thought I'd be one of those parents who think the earth revolves around their child. But several times lately I've caught myself wanting other people to behave in ways that make my daughter happy, without little regard for whether it makes THEM happy or not. On the flip side, I begin liking people I was not previously crazy about when my daughter has fun with them.
Example: At church when everyone "shares the peace," my daughter really wants everyone to shake her hand, while some adults would really rather focus on checking in with their adult friends and acquaintances. There's nothing wrong with that, but I catch myself feeling slighted on her behalf when they ignore her extended hand or give her a perfunctory smile. I remind myself that for 10 years I did not particularly like children. (I loved them as a teenager and again when I had my own.) And I don't want to become that mother whose child must be praised or played with in order to win my friendship. Ick! I must police myself.