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Caring about what others think leads to THIS


As Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once warned, "Care about what other people think and you will always be their prisoner."

Indeed, some people care so deeply about others' opinions of them that they allow those individuals to dictate the very decisions they make in their own lives -- whether it affects their love life, career, and so forth.

For example, some people will not date a person unless they get the green light from their friends. Others will refrain from dressing a certain way, driving a specific car, or eating particular foods for fear that relatives will not approve.

Worrying over what people say or think about you will only trap you mentally and emotionally, preventing you from reaching your full potential and living life to the fullest.

And here's the truth: In most cases, these people aren't thinking of us at all! And even if they are, who's to say it isn't something positive? Perhaps they dig your new glasses even though you're convinced they find them hideous. Maybe they find you to be charming and not obnoxious, articulate and not bumbling.

Whatever the case, their opinion of you -- however negative -- should not impinge on your happiness.

People may form negative judgments of others without even knowing all the facts, or because of misunderstandings.

Maybe you rub them the wrong way because you look like their ex, or you struck them as rude during your first encounter because you were having a bad day. But it's nothing that a good conversation over coffee can't fix.

At the end of the day, we can't please everyone, nor can we get into people's heads. No one has the right to invalidate your feelings, preferences, or choices. After all, it's your life, and nobody knows you better than you do.

Just because you don't dress like they do, share their hobbies, or even eat the same foods doesn't make you wrong and them right. Do what makes you happy, even if it ruffles others' feathers. And if they refuse to accept you the way you are, they're not worth wasting another minute on.

Once you cease worrying about others' perception of you, however, you'll feel as though a weight has been lifted. You will escape from the mental confines you've unnecessarily created for yourself and regain a sense of freedom.

You should be so busy enjoying your life that you don't have the time to stop and think what others think of you. And remember, the only person whose opinion matters is yours.
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