How to not care about what people think about you

I'm pretty sure you've been in a situation where you didn't know how to act or what to say or what to wear because you feared that other people wouldn't like it. We've all pondered about what's the best way we should act when we are around new people that seem cool . Here's a good tip: Be yourself!

Yeah, I know it's hard. Sometimes we may play a role that doesn't fit our character because we fear not being liked. Unless it's an interview or something professional/formal , there is not reason for you to act like something you aren't or be someone you're not. You shouldn't leave the house in an uncomfortable dress because this girl you just became friends with really likes it. You shouldn't feel bad for not wanting to hangout with your friends when you want some alone time. But if you do, it's because you care too much about what people think. It is always good to put other's feelings into consideration when you are about to do something, however, if it conflicts with your sense of self, then why do it?

That being said, here are some tips to not letting the opinions of others affect your personality

1. Think about the worst case scenario

Some friend of yours wants you to drink a shot of tequila. She urges you to drink it as a gift to her since it's her birthday. However, you are not a drinker. The whole room stops and looks at you excitedly. You know if you on't take that shot, you would ruin all of their hopes. But if you do take that shot, you know you will feel bad.

What's the worst that can happen?

Well, if you don't drink the shot of tequila, you will disappoint a whole room of people you may never see again and you may loose a friend who doesn't respect your decision not to drink.

Though it may seem like an intense situation at the time, it is not that drastic if you think about it. Life goes on. The important part is that you remained true to yourself. You satisfied your own needs.

2. Don't try to please everyone

Pleasing everyone is impossible. You would drive yourself crazy if you lived up to everyone's expectations.... so don't. Of course, sometimes, you may do things to please your loved ones, like going to a basketball game with your partner even though you hate it. However, don't try to impress everyone you interact with. For example, we all have that one friend that magically becomes a whole new person when they're around certain people. Don't be that friend. Be yourself and those who appreciate you will value your company a lot more. Your friendships and relationships will be more meaningful.

3. Remember that life is too short

Life is too short to be worrying about what Rebecca said about you last week in math class. It's too short to work about what other people think. Doing so will lead to unhappiness because you are trying to meet the expectations of someone else. You need to make the conscious effort to let go of what other people say and think. It takes time and practice but it's worth it.

4. Lastly, MIND YOUR BUSINESS!

Stop asking people what they think of you! Stop looking for validation from others. Usually when we complete a task, we look for the opinions of others but we never stop to ask ourselves how do we think we did. It's none of your business what other's think because it doesn't matter. Stop looking for the opinions of critical, unhappy, and/or unsuccessful people as well. Negative feedback will mostly come from negative people.

Not giving a f**k about what other people think takes lots of time. These are only a few ways to help you maintain your identity in certain setting. Not caring about what other people think does not mean to be inconsiderate about how others feel. It simply means to never let other people ruin or change your personality or sense of self because you want to please them!