As I’ve mentioned in some of my other stories, as a little girl I had a deep need for parental (and particularly maternal) approval. I absolutely craved my mum’s praise and pride, or at the very least her lack of shame or disappointment.
As well as trying to be well-behaved at all times, I also tried my absolute best at every task I attempted – playing the piano, swimming, tennis, painting, baking or any other of the countless activities I was involved in as a youngster. I always had to do these things to the utmost of my abilities at every moment, and never let standards fall. This was particularly true of my school work, to which I devoted infinite time, attention and effort.