Should I care what other people think?
Should I care what other people think?
Should I care what other people think? Maybe just a little, but definitely not so much that it takes you down a rabbit hole of self-doubt. I was inspired to write this because it’s something we all deal with. Those subtle remarks, quick glances, or random opinions that find their way under our skin, especially when they strike an old insecurity.
You know the feeling: someone makes an offhand comment, and your gut tightens, your mind races, and suddenly your ego is out there throwing punches. You’re not just hurt, you’re scrambling to protect yourself. Your brain goes into overdrive, dissecting everything about that person, thinking, “How could they say that? They don’t get me! How can I fix this? How do I change their mind about me?” And just like that, your ego is out there tangoing with insecurity, and you’re left feeling like you’re stuck in an emotional whirlwind.
Here’s the thing: I’ve been there. In fact, it happened to me just the other day. Someone said something that hit me right where it hurt, and I went into a full spiral. I was circling the drain, wondering why it felt so painful, why I was so triggered. But after a little internal wrestling (and soothing my ego like it was a grumpy 2 year old), I realized something important: when something hits you that hard, it’s not just about the other person. It’s a message. It’s the universe trying to tell you to pay attention—to yourself.
You see, the universe has a funny way of steering us in the right direction, even if it feels like it’s using the wrong people or the wrong circumstances. What I’ve come to understand is that when something rattles you to the core, it’s an invitation to trust yourself more deeply. Because here’s the truth: when you know who you are, when you trust your own worth, other people’s opinions hold a lot less power over you. More often than not, they have no idea they have offended you in some way.
Think about it. If you were 100% solid in your self-worth, would one comment send you into a tailspin? Probably not. It might sting for a second, but you’d shake it off because you’d be rooted in your own truth. You’d know that their words are just their perspective, not the absolute truth about you.
The key is to trust yourself. Trust that you know yourself better than anyone else does. Trust that the opinion you have of yourself is the one that matters most. When you trust yourself deeply, you’re less likely to let someone else’s opinion knock you off balance.
When I finally calmed down, I saw that the person who triggered me was just a messenger. I have to thank that person for being the messenger, delivering an important reminder of where I need to focus my attention, and what I need to change. They shone a light on something I needed to work on in myself. And instead of spiraling further, I chose to listen. Because the universe doesn’t send these little wake-up calls for no reason. It’s nudging us toward growth, toward seeing where we need to heal or where we need to shift our focus.
So, if someone’s words send you into a downward spiral, take a breath and ask yourself: What’s the real message here? What is this moment asking me to pay attention to? And most importantly, am I trusting myself enough to know the truth of who I am, regardless of what anyone else thinks?
May the opinion you have of yourself always shine the brightest. Because when it does, when you’re solid in your own self-worth, other people’s opinions can’t disturb your equilibrium. You are the one who knows your truth. So when things go sideways, take a deep breath, and remember: it’s all happening *for* you, not *to* you. Trust yourself and keep walking your path with confidence. The universe has your back.
Blessings on your journey!
Written by: Laresa Perlman