According to Charles Horton Cooley's theory, we develop our self-concept by:

Charles Horton Cooley's theory emphasizes the concept of the "looking-glass self," which posits that individuals form their self-concept based on their interpretation of how others perceive them. This theory highlights three main components of this process: imagining how we appear to others, imagining how others judge that appearance, and developing a self-feeling (pride or shame) based on those judgments.

By focusing on how we believe others view us, we engage in a reflective process that informs our identity and self-esteem. This social interaction plays a crucial role in shaping our self-image as we continuously navigate our perceptions and interpretations of others' reactions to us in various social contexts. Thus, our self-concept is not formed in isolation; it is deeply intertwined with our social experiences and the feedback we receive from others, reinforcing the significance of external validation in personal development.