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I talked to a friend of mine yesterday who was going to see a dying aunt. We had recently been under a similar circumstance, so I asked them why they were visiting their 'mostly unresponsive' aunt, and their answer took me back a little bit - they said, "I didn't want my cousins to think I didn't care about their mother." That wasn't what I expected. That got me thinking about how our behavior is affected by what people, or not.

Should We Care What People Think About Us?

I generally say that we SHOULD NOT CARE ABOUT WHAT PEOPLE THINK, but is this right? Should we care? I still don't think so, and if we do, just a little and for only certain circumstances. Let's explore this a little more.

Whether or not we should care about what others think is a complex question and can depend on various factors. Here are a few perspectives to consider:

Personal Growth and Self-Improvement

Sometimes, feedback from others can be valuable for personal growth. If people are offering constructive criticism or advice, it can help us improve ourselves. In this case, caring about what they think can be beneficial.

Mental Health and Well-being

Constantly worrying about others' opinions can be detrimental to mental health. It can lead to stress, anxiety, and a loss of self-esteem. If caring about what others think is causing you harm, it might be healthier to focus on your own opinions and feelings.

Social and Professional Contexts

In professional or social settings, considering the opinions of others can be important. For example, in a workplace, it's often necessary to care about what your colleagues or boss think to maintain a positive working environment and to achieve professional goals.

Authenticity and Individuality

On the other hand, always conforming to what others think can suppress your individuality and authenticity. It's important to find a balance where you can be true to yourself while also being considerate of others.

Cultural and Familial Expectations

Cultural and family norms often play a role in how much we care about others' opinions. In some cultures or families, there's a strong emphasis on community and collective opinions, while in others, individualism is more valued. One could say it is a matter of finding a balance. It's healthy to consider others' opinions, especially when they are offered constructively and with good intentions, but it's also important to maintain your own identity and mental well-being.