Creating a positive image of yourself towards others helps you to gain confidence, a good reputation, and attract relationships, either friendships or romantic partnerships. In this image, you hold the value of how others see you as who and what you are. We cannot escape the judgement, criticism, and opinions of people since everyone has their own perspectives.
In this week’s weekend-engagement concept, made and initiated by Sir , we can choose one topic and explain the topic further. But in my case today, I will add another challenge for myself, which is to combine two of them at the same time and write them with connections. I honestly don’t know why my crazy mind thinks about it, but I guess it will be fun.
Have you ever had a moment of silence when you think about what people really think about you? Are they disgusted because of my clothing choice? Are they thinking weird things about me because of how I act? There are so many theories flying around in our minds, and I think it’s important to discuss them one by one.
From a physical perspective, what do I think others see and think about me?
The first one is that I think they see me as a tall, brave, and unrelenting young man. Some of my friends usually give me the impression that I am brave because of my actions. They think that I am always capable and ready to take on any challenge in life. In addition, they think that I am unrelenting in my passion for writing and for my studies. Physically, I do not consider myself tall. Perhaps I’m tall in their eyes because I’m the tallest amongst my friends.
I have a gut feeling that people think I’m smart and intelligent because of what I am doing in life. I’m the only one in my circle of friends who loves writing. I'm doing my best to pursue my writing career even though some of them are against it. Yes, some of my friends told me to shift my passion for writing into programming because that’s what I am currently taking in my course. They see it as a contrast, and it will not help me in my future career in web development.
I think my friends don’t like my emotionless face, which I often do to present myself strongly. It’s my way of expressing and facing my problems. I like to be spotted like that to create curiosity in their heads. However, all these things that I think others think and see about me are the ones that push them to brand me with several nicknames. There were some nicknames that were really offensive, but I embraced and welcomed them wholeheartedly.
What they saw and thought about me created multiple nicknames.
Nicknames are commonly given to everyone. Since we were young, there must have been a nickname given to you by your family. What I really don't like about it is that they intentionally brand you with a nickname that surely fits to tease you now and then. Usually, it is given by the closest family member or friend.
One of the best nicknames I ever got, and I loved, was "lakas-loob," or in English translation, "courage." The one who branded me with this name is actually not my friend, but a teaser of my 6th grade class. She told me that I was very bold to face our teachers and courageous to enter many academic contests. So, it's easier for them to brand me "lakas-loob." From that day, everyone called me that. Not only my classmates and friends, but my teachers as well.
However, I just want to point out that whatever you think others see and think about you is not always true. There are so many ways people can look at you, how they will judge you, and what kind of person you will be based on what others say. I think what matters most here is your ability to stay firm, create space for criticism, and reshape yourself for the better cause.