I am guilty of this. A lot of times I try to make people laugh because I think people will accept me if I'm funny. It's something I've done since I was a child so it's really deep rooted. Keep forgetting there's no me, so it's kind of ridiculous. There's nothing to be accepted, and the one who really is there is the acceptance Himself. Just one day when the antenna is gone the signal will simply return to the TV station...
I have been so guilty of seeking approval too. Ugh, huh? Also, I cross the line of self examination to constantly examining which is self centered. Your comment made me think of the song. Nobody but Jesus by Casting Crowns. It seems sanctification involves dissipating self and increasing Him in our thoughts, words, and actions.