"Worry about loving yourself, instead of loving the idea of other people loving you."

Last year, I would have never agreed with that statement. You have to put yourself last, I would tell myself. I was constantly worried what other people would think. I need to look nice today because I might bump into him. If I stand up for myself, people might hate me. If I say no, they may think I'm a party pooper. I can't care too much because they might think I'm emotional. These thoughts would be constantly going through my head. I wanted to fit in so badly, so I tried to conform to societies expectations.

Wow, was I wrong. Truth is, who cares what people think. Oh, easier said than done, right? Wrong. Think about this: when you try to fit people's standards, you become an unnatural version of yourself. You always feel like you're putting on a mask, a different persona when you enter the room with others. The only time you feel yourself is when you're alone. Even then, you're probably lying in bed at night thinking of all the ways you can become less like yourself and more of what others expect you to be.

This whole thought process is bull. Why should we be wasting life trying to be someone we aren't? I have to admit, at first, it is easier said than done. But, once you get past that obstacle, you're going to begin to understand your full potential. There's going to be a weight lifted off your shoulders, and your view on life is going to change.

When you stop pretending to be someone you aren't, you start to attract different people. These people are going to be the friends that you'll be able to be yourself around, and they'll gladly take you with all the good and bad. These guys (or girls) are going to be the ones that'll love you unconditionally. You may only have a few of them, but isn't that better than having a bunch of "friends" who think they know you? You'll draw people towards you that are your kind of people.

Now, I'm not saying those friends you may have are terrible. Maybe they are great, but why sell yourself short trying to be someone else? I truly believe that people come into your life for a reason. One of the main factors, though, is due to the person you are and the type of charisma you give off. So, if you're hung up on a group of people that you can't fit in with or a guy that doesn't like you... don't. Just be yourself and attract the people that'll make you a better version of yourself. It'll be worth the wait.

My mom always tells me, "Wouldn't you rather have a few great people in your life that truly know who you are inside and out over a ton of people who barely care or know you?" I mean, she's not wrong.

So, next time you're hung up about what other people may, or may not, think about you... don't. Life is way too short to sell yourself short. Say, think and do whatever you want. Be you, and eventually, you'll find people that will be attracted to your presence. For now, though, you might as well just love yourself.