Mark Twain cautioned, "Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great."
How true. Let me add that small people also constantly find fault with, pick on, and criticize the talents, ideas, way of life, etc., of others. Very good advice from Mark Twain, especially when applied with regard to one's in-laws (and husband even, sometimes), not to mention extended family, 'well-meaning friends' from your religious/cultural community, and so on...
