Caring About What People Think Makes You A Better Person

Take advantage of the free therapy

We’re told all the time not to listen to other people’s opinions of us.

“Do your own thing and don’t care what anyone else thinks.”

While that is good advice in some cases, sometimes it’s advantageous to listen to what they have to say about you.

Because you may be missing out on some very helpful information.

We’re so used to being “us” that we become blinded to habits or thoughts that are a negative influence on ourselves or those around us. When someone points out something we’ve said or done that they see as bad or a put-off, it gives us a chance to see ourselves from the outside, and that is a gift, even if it feels like a punishment at the time.

No one likes to hear negative things said about them, but take it as an opportunity to do some self-improvement.

Why does confrontation trigger us?

We’ve all gone through experiences that affected who we are today. Some experiences we’d like to forget. Some, we can’t.

Hearing negative things about ourselves, even when offered with goodwill, can bring up memories and the feelings that come with them.

We like it when people like us and feel uncomfortable or less than when they don’t.

We may be going along, feeling like we’re doing great at this being-a-human-thing. We’re telling ourselves in a one-sided conversation that we’re making real progress.

But the problem with a one-sided conversation is you’re never wrong.

Someone drops a feedback bomb on us, and poof! The bubble is burst, and we feel crappy again.

But the feeling doesn’t have to last. Just keep trying. It won’t be the last time you get criticized. Not unless you buy up some real estate under a rock.

But don’t do that. We’re not made to function in isolation.

We’re designed to interact with others

As children, we learn necessary development and skills from those around us, as well as social skills. Our need to learn from others doesn’t suddenly stop when we turn 21. Throughout our lives, we encounter changes in living situations, jobs, and social situations. If we keep an open mind to feedback given to us, whether solicited or not, we will continue to grow as an individual.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17

Easy access to technology has decreased human interaction. More and more people are cutting themselves off from those who don’t support every choice they make, labeling them as “toxic.”

Many people won’t agree with everything about you. That doesn’t make them poisonous.

Take feedback and advice with a grain of salt. Don’t let anyone control you or pressure you into doing something. That’s not good or healthy. When someone offers a critique, consider what prompted it. Is there something in your behavior that you need to change? Be open to another point of view.

In the end, you can do whatever you want, but taking the advice of other people can help you become a better person.