On Being Proud...

Is it condescending, patronizing, seeking validation or approval?  I don't believe it is, thought the argument may exist.  It comes into the dichotomy we live in.  like equal rights, all men (and women) are created equal, diversity equity and inclusion, love and boundaries.  To me, to be proud of someone is to express that they are special to you, that the person you are proud of has done something they probably feel proud of themselves and you are excited with them in an empathetic way that expressing pride and joy can empathize with. 

 Is it ever a bad thing to give truthful, honest and hearty approbation? I don't believe so.  a google search can provide lots of reasons to avoid saying "I'm proud of you".  One article i read said the person might feel patronized or put down.  I hope you aren't expressing pride in a patronizing, superior or condescending way...or even sarcastic.  I think it comes down to honesty.  If I am proud with you, I am proud of you.  "Of" as a proposition by definition can express several different functions.  One of those can be an expression of ownership.  But in my belief of the preposition "of" in the expression "i'm proud of you" the object of "of" is not necessarily the "you" rather the ownership of my pride towards you, but wouldn't it sound strange to say "I have a great sense of pride towards you"?  Or maybe we could replace "proud of you" with I'm proud to know you, i'm proud because I am with you, i feel proud to be in your presence.  

Those expressions, to me, are synonymous with "I'm proud of you".  You might say i'm justifying here, but I also feel proud of the people that are special to me.  I feel more fulfilled by knowing the people that I see are benefitting those around them and I am grateful for the positive impact on my own life and the world around the people I interact with. so back to equality, i feel all people and creatures are created with the same potential to create good around them, to fulfill a purpose and the fulfilling of that purpose can fill each of us with a sense of pride that we had the opportunity to interact with those unique one of a kind creations.  

All of us are unique in our own way and the more we compartmentalize and exclude because of differences the less we allow a sense of joy to emanate from the very nature of the unique individual that we can stand in awe that this one being, this singular entity is here, standing in my presence, or even my circle of acquaintences for this moment in time in this life.  I am proud to know you.  I love you for the unique entity you are and you are great because you ARE...  and I am proud because of you, with a great sense of pride towards you and I am proud of you.