We all tend to care about what people think of us. It's natural and it's a part of being human. However, it can be really unhealthy to care so much about how other people perceive us – it can make us perceive ourselves in the same way (negatively). As we get older, the more we learn.
As the years have passed, the more I have realized how not to give a sh*t about what other people think of me. The best way to be happy in life is simply to not give a damn. The less you care about other peoples' perceptions of you, the more you can focus on living your life. That's the secret to happiness – to be carefree.
I've dealt with verbal abuse before. It absolutely kills self-confidence, but I've always been able to get back up. I, of course, used to care a decent amount of what people thought of me. Now, after having both good and bad experiences that have taught me how to deal with certain situations, I am much wiser than I was before. I used to compare myself with other girls, which was terrible to do because we're all different. Having an older brother who's very successful didn't help me much either. My self-confidence was low. I was unhappy, with feelings of jealousy, disappointment and even embarrassment for not being a certain way – for not having what I though that I wanted. Any insult can send you into a black hole of despair, making you loathe yourself.
It took me a few years before I realized that not caring was the best way to handle life. Why do we care so much about what people might view us as? If someone thinks lowly of you, why does that matter? The thing is, it doesn't matter – at all. We all have different perceptions of each other, but things only matter to you if you let them. Why does someone's perception of you determine your happiness? It shouldn't.
The only thing that makes it a part of your life is that you keep thinking about it. – Unknown.
Peoples' opinions, whether they're good or bad, are not hard truths. No one knows you more than you do, and everyone is an observer. They don't know your life, they don't know what experiences you've had, they don't know what you've gone through. Everyone just judges everyone – it's as simple as that. Opinions and what people say and think about you are only judgments. You have to let go and stop caring so much about other people because it's your life. Not theirs.
If you care too much about what people think of you, it will hurt you. You might end up feeling a bit depressed, and you'll be more likely to put yourself down. Where's the good in that? You can't let other people have to power to disrupt your happiness. Why should you care if someone disagrees with the way you are? Life is short, so you shouldn't ever waste your time sulking because someone said this about you or thinks that about you. It will make you absolutely miserable. If you're happy with the way you are, who gives a sh*t if someone doesn't like you? People won't respect you unless you respect yourself. As long as you love yourself and the things you do, no one should be able to bring you down with their judgments and opinions. Don't let others stop you from being you.
