I care what people think.
I'm not supposed to, or so I'm told. I think if I stop caring what people think I might even stop caring about people. How am I going to continue to understand why people do and say and feel the way they do if I disregard their opinions simply because it might hurt to know those opinions?
I should add, I don't care if you don't like me. I do care if you take time out from your life to hurt me. Knowing this prevents me from nurturing toxic relationships. It also helps guide me towards beautiful people, with honest and kind souls.
If it weren't for all the caring about other people, I might not be who I am. I might not show the compassion I do. I might not be emotionally available to those who I can learn from and even teach.
Human connections are how I breathe.
Loneliness isn't being alone. It's feeling alone. And disconnecting to protect myself will absolutely lead to loneliness.
So I care what people think. I care about people, and not just myself.
