Is it better to look good or to feel good? A lot turns on this seemingly simple question. Basically, it amounts to this: Do you perceive yourself directly or through the reflection you cast in the eyes of others? Everyone probably does both in varying proportions, but it’s looking outward to see inward that concerns us here. Some people are more comfortable with silence and solitude whereas others require a constant stream of external feedback, but broadly speaking, it’s a feature of all juveniles to identify with the reflection they cast rather than direct perception.