For years, I put so much weight on what other people thought about me. I needed everyone to like me, and if they didn’t, I would completely break down. Those feelings led me to constantly try and please everyone in my life. Along with that, I changed everything about my behavior without even knowing it.
You see, I didn’t realize how much about me had changed just because I was self-conscious. Likewise, it’s possible that you’re making life difficult for yourself for the same reasons too. Here are 5 subtle signs that you care too much about other people’s opinions.
1. You Try to be A Mind Reader
Let’s be honest for a second, you aren’t psychic – but that sure as hell won’t stop you from trying to be. Whenever you’re around others, you try to figure out what they’re thinking at every moment. Similarly, when they speak, you dig into their words to try and find a hidden meaning. No matter how many times you find yourself unable to read someone’s mind, you keep trying to anyway.
2. You Rethink Past Conversations
You’re the kind of person who lies awake at night thinking about a conversation from 2 years ago when you said one thing wrong. After every conversation you have, you need time to think about it afterward. What could you have said differently? Were they really being honest? What about when they said…?
3. You Become a Social Chameleon
Groups are difficult for you because you find it hard to understand what everyone wants from you. However, one-on-one settings are where you flourish. That’s because when you’re with someone, you become who you think they want you to be. You’re a social chameleon who molds your personality, interests, and opinions around the company you keep.
4. You Think Too Much About What You Say
Every situation that you walk into must be pre-planned. You need time to map out everything you’ll say to someone. As well as that, you often go as far as to plan their responses too. If you don’t manage to figure out what you’re going to say in advance then you end up stumbling over your own words and panicking about what to say.
5. You Tell Silly Lies
Like everyone, you have your own hobbies and opinions. Some of them are perfectly normal, others can be a little out of the ordinary. However, you’re often afraid to let people see the real you. So, you tell white lies about what you like and what you think about the world.
Listen to me when I tell you this – this is your life and no one else’s. Although it may be difficult, you need to learn to let go of the fear of judgment. Instead, learn to do whatever it is that makes you happy and surround yourself with people who love you for who you are. If you need to worry that they won’t like you for the things that you do, perhaps you need to be around better people.
Share this article with someone who cares too much about what others think of them.
If you have any questions or would like to ask for advice on a topic that is important to you, please write to me at [email protected] with your question.
