I, like many other people, pride themselves on individuality. We show individuality through clothes, hair color, a piercing, or even a tattoo. When someone tells you to change who you are for them, it’s very hurtful and sparks a fire in you to not conform to what their ideal beauty standards. It’s important that you stay true to yourself and stand out. I personally don’t want to be like everyone else, because a world where everybody is the same isn’t a very beautiful world. Some of the most amazing actors, artists and musicians are famous for their uniqueness. Here are five reasons why you shouldn’t change yourself for other people.

1. People remember you.

I’ve lost track of how many times I was remembered by someone because of my septum piercing, Harry Potter glasses or something I’ve worn. When I rushed for the sororities at my school I wore a hat everyday of it, and that was how everyone remembered me; they called me Kat in the hat.

2. It gives you confidence.

If something makes you feel good about yourself you should definitely keep doing what ever you’ve been doing. Don’t stop doing something because other people don’t like it. I remember in high school when some bully took a photo of me from behind and posted it on twitter making fun of the way I dress, but the funny thing is nobody else seemed to have a problem with my style other than him. Lets just say I continued to rock the combat boots and comfy sweaters.

3. You're stuck with the end result.

It’s important to remember that you're the one that has to deal with the consequences and not other people. For example, if you decide to get a piercing it affects you and not other people. People in general like to have control over things but just keep in mind that you shouldn’t let them control you because it’s your life and you have to deal with the consequences.

4. Life's too short.

You can’t go through life trying to please other people by changing yourself to fit what they want. You only get one life so you should do what pleases you and not other people. Buy those vintage bell bottoms even if nobody else wears them anymore, dye your hair that crazy color, get that piercing you’ve always wanted.

5. You don’t need other people's approval.

Getting compliments feel great but ultimately you shouldn’t value your worth on that because as soon as someone says something negative about you, you feel like sh*t about yourself. What’s even better than compliments is having the realization that people are going to dislike you and having that feeling like you couldn’t care less. You do you.