I am a feminist, and what that means to me is much the same as the meaning of the fact that I am Black: it means that I must undertake to love myself and to respect myself as though my very life depends upon self-love and self-respect.
Welcome to Lake Wobegon, where all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average.
Know yourself. Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful.