I think a huge problem in today’s generation is that everyone has different expectations of each other. How we display ourselves and how we view others is a significant part in society. But we need to start looking at these words and feelings in different ways. So I’m going to go through “the difference between” some of these words.
Cocky vs. Confident
Being cocky implies that you are conceited, arrogant and egotistical. I believe people in today’s generation are so afraid of being conceived as “cocky” they forget they should have confidence. I believe that knowing one's self-worth is one of the most important things in life. You must always be confident in who you are and what you stand for. It is so important to love yourself and people seem to be forgetting that. I’m not telling you to wake up every morning thinking you are better than everyone else, because that can be cocky. But wake up every morning knowing that you are a beautiful, amazing person, just the way you are.
Crazy vs. Fun
I don’t think crazy is necessarily an insult, but sometimes it can be used that way. There is nothing wrong with having fun, it is important to enjoy every moment of our time with our friends and family, because lets face it, life is short. However, you also need to be careful about just how much fun you have. Limit your crazy moments so you can have safe fun, at the appropriate times, without it interfering with your life too much. And don’t make people feel bad because they may have fun in a different way you do. Everyone is different and the best part of that is we all get to choose how we live our lives
Attention-Whore vs. Outgoing
Some people are flaming extroverts. They love to talk to everyone, are very open about their lives and love being in the spot light. I personally am very outgoing, but one thing I can’t stand is when people mistake outgoing for an attention-whore. Just because we are outgoing, doesn’t mean that we are full of ourselves, or think we are better than everyone else. I may have an outgoing personality, but if my friend needs attention from me, I will make sure to be there for them no matter what is going on in my life. There’s a difference between someone who has to have it all about themselves at all times, and people that just happen to be super social.
Annoying vs. Friendly
This one branches off from outgoing. A lot of people are really friendly; they love meeting new people and learning new things. Sometimes this can be conceived as annoying, because they love to bounce around from person to person, and learn about them. But some people prefer a small group of friends and that is it, therefore they think friendly people are annoying. It’s important to realize that these people aren’t trying to be annoying; they just genuinely like making friends, and that is something they shouldn’t feel bad about.
Mean vs. Honest
This is one that is a huge issue, I especially think in today’s society. I personally would rather someone be blunt and straight forward with me, than passive aggressive. But sometimes when a person is blunt and tells it like it is, it is perceived as being mean. This is totally understandable, but I think it is important to recognize that sometimes it is better to be completely honest, than beat around the bush, with, of course, keeping the other person's feelings in mind.
A Know-It-All vs. Smart
Just because someone may be very intelligent doesn’t mean they are a know it all. However, just because you may be extremely educated, does not give you the right to talk down on people, nor believe you are better and smarter than them. I think we can all agree that we have had moments like this with one person or another. I think it is important to realize that you can be intelligent without degrading others. And if someone is intellectual, give him or her a chance; you may learn something new.
Fake vs. Mature
This is one that causes a lot of controversies. Most people believe, if you don’t like a person, then don’t act like you do, because that is fake. But on the contrary, sometimes you just have to suck up whatever issues you are having with a person, in order to be mature about the situation. If all your friends are hanging out, and you don’t like someone there, don’t be mean to them the entire time; be civil and mature about the situation. What kind of night are you supposed to have with negative energy the entire time?
I think these are all really important things to consider before you start judging somebody, and it works on both ends. Be careful how you identify yourself, but be careful how you perceive others as well. And, most importantly, be humble, be kind and be yourself.
