Final answer:
Our sense of self is a core aspect of our being that influences our thoughts and actions and is developed through social interaction. It involves both how we see ourselves and how others perceive us, and it includes our relationships with people, places, and things.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regarding the nature of the self, it is true that our sense of self is at the core of our being, significantly influencing our thoughts, actions, and feelings, often beyond our conscious awareness. Through social interaction, we develop a personal sense of self, which reflects how we see ourselves and are seen by others. This process is dynamic, with individuals carrying and using perceived external attributes to guide their behavior in various social situations. Furthermore, our sense of self is intricately linked to our relationships with other people, places, things, and events, contrary to the claim that it does not include such relationships.
Concepts like reciprocal determinism and cognitive dissonance further highlight how our environment and internal choices can shape our self and our actions. The development of the self is a social process, as noted by theorists like George Herbert Mead, who emphasized the importance of seeing oneself through the eyes of others. Additionally, humanistic psychologists like Carl Rogers have contributed to our understanding of self-concept and the distinction between the real self and the ideal self.