Is “Don’t Care What Anyone Thinks About You” the Worst Possible Advice?

Don’t bother answering. I already know the answer and I know I’m right.

“I don’t care what anyone thinks about me.”

I’m sceptical whenever I hear someone say that. I think: “What are they protecting in themselves with that defence mechanism?”

Because it’s an overreaction to the opposite problem — caring too much about what people think.

If you care what everyone thinks about you, you’re going to suffer. Sometimes, people will say things to hurt you. It’s a manipulation tactic.

The opposite can happen too. Rich people can surround themselves with people who agree with everything they say.

Either of those situations can lead to bad decisions.

But the solution isn’t to listen to no one. Because then you’re just bouncing around in your own head. Sometimes you will be wrong.

The key is to find out who is worth listening to. You can then value their opinions above others.

Sometimes we have blind spots. We are self-biased and tend to avoid looking at parts of ourselves we find uncomfortable. And sometimes, someone close to us needs to tell us the truth.

Like if you’re head-over-heels in love with someone who is no good for you. For example, a drug dealer or someone who punches kittens.

You could approach that relationship with an “I don’t care” attitude. Or you could listen to your friends when they say: “Dump him and find someone better.”

So, when you meet someone who claims they don’t care, say this:

“Shut up! Of course you care what people think!”

If they get all defensive and argue with you, you were right. They do care, otherwise, they wouldn’t be getting so defensive.

Or if they don’t argue with you, they might be telling the truth. They truly don’t care. That probably means they’re a sociopath, so stay away from them.

What do you think?

I’m right, aren’t I? Tell me I’m right! Tell me I’m right!

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