Every person who walks this earth has the right to carry him or herself in the way in which he or she desires to. Out of everyone's opinions, the opinions we have of ourselves is likely the most important ones of all. Loving yourself is the most important belief to have for yourself; no one will give you the respect you demand unless you can provide that for yourself.
Back on the topic of demeanors, as long as one fairly presents him or herself in an attempted positive way, then he or she should never fall victim to changing oneself for the approval of others. I must say, I have been in this position one too many times before. It is so easy to feel trapped in the world and want to gain other’s approval in an attempt to meet their needs. Backtrack to that last sentence for a moment… notice, “their needs.” Do you see something wrong with that? “Their needs” is not YOUR needs, and it is only YOUR needs that matter. It is another story if you have a demeanor that consists of being rude, cocky, and arrogant. Maybe then other people’s opinions of your poor attitude would matter; other than that, focusing on yourself should be the main energy you expedite.
Similarly, you should never feel sorry for the choices you make (assuming that you are not a serial killer or a terrible person). It cannot be stressed enough that each person is THEIR OWN person. Though others may influence our behaviors, it is not up to them how you act. Someone may pressure you into a behavior or may advocate their own ideas, which both of these may affect your life, but it is not up to them who YOU decide to be.
Do not apologize for who you are. However, you should say sorry and make amends for mistakes, but in the situation of just being you, you do not need to ask for forgiveness for being yourself. Why apologize for being yourself? Be strong. Be independent. Be confident. A.K.A. BE YOURSELF.
Never be sorry for:
-the people you attract: if you don’t like your in-crowd, adjust yourself
-what makes you smile: we get happy for different reasons; if something makes you happy, keep it around
-being nice: why on earth apologize for handing out compliments, it probably makes you feel good about yourself, too
-being serious: if you are able to get things done, why ever apologize for a characteristic that will lead you to success?
-being picky: applaud yourself for your high standards because you obviously deserve the absolute best
-being a total nerd: school is great and knowledge is extremely powerful
-being sensitive: a kind heart and beautiful soul is rare to find so let it radiate and pass it on
-being a little bit selfish: sometimes you have to just focus on yourself and it is critical to do what is best for you
-your faults and flaws: flaws make a person beautiful; a couple of pimples and a few bad moods will not cause the end of the world, it is life
I am no life coach or motivational speaker, but if you are able to take a few things away from this article, then that is wonderful and magnificent. If you do not know what you should take from this, make of it what you take from it. Just be you and continue what you do that makes you, you. As Taylor Swift has said, “You are lucky enough to be different, never change”.
