Why do I care so much what other people will think about me?!
Question:
Why do I care so much what other people will think about me?
I'm 20, and I have no real friends, and have only been on one date. I always worry what people, especially my family, will think of me so I end up not doing things like going anywhere. Like when I was talking to that girl I went out with, I never talked on the phone where they could hear me because I was worried about being made fun of. I IM with a few people, mostly girls, who live elsewhere (Not in Hawaii where I am) and if I hear someone coming up the stairs, I shut IM down (and no, I'm not doing anything dirty, just chatting). Same with this yahoo answers, I'll minimize the window if someone comes by because I'm afraid to be embarrased. I've tried not to care what people think, but I think I have to do something more than "just do it" because that doesn't work.
I want to be a normal guy, how?
Answers:
You ARE a normal guy. What do you think other people are? Believe me when you start to know them deeper you will understand that you are a better person more than most of them. You are handsome, attractive, intelligent, fun and more. You are twenty and it should be one of the most beautiful years of your life. Start with small steps. Start with five minutes talk with the classmates or strangers. Try to talk about yourself but don't go too far. Respect your own privacy too. If you are interested in arts, music, education, poetry or anything that is sharable, share it. During these short conversations you will find some people that are easier to understand and are easier to talk to. Then you can take the next step. Be yourself. It really doesn't matter what people think. I got to understand it now that I am in my middle ages. I wished I was not that withdrawn when I was at your age. Time never goes back and now I live with my memories and thinking what if I was more open with that person or acted differently in that situation. Does it take me any were? no. absolutely not. Trust in yourself and good luck.