Does anyone here have any experience with impressing people?
Yep, I see your raised hand. :) I have done that as well so don't feel too bad. I think that sometimes it is a thing we do subconsciously without realizing it.
I started seeing warning signals when I caught myself being anxious after I said something to someone. It wasn't offensive in any way but shortly after a conversation, I found myself wondering whether I came out right and what this person thoughts of me.
I've done that many times when I finally realize that I am too conscious of how I act in the public and I care too much about others opinion of me. One thing I've noticed over time was that no matter how nice and polite I was, I still found people gossiping about me or talking things which weren't true. It was a result of a jealousy or insecurities of others. At least that's my opinion.
I am not telling you this to complain since gossips are pretty common and we all have dealt with dome fake friends or associates.
What I am trying to point out is that if we put too much energy into impressing others or trying too hard to look "good" or act "good", we are wasting our energy on something that has no sense. I've learned that those who want to be around you and who want to celebrate you, they'll see you for who you are. And those who don't care about you or are jealous of you, those will always find some of your faults no matter how hard you try to satisfy their expectations.
The moment I realized how powerful it is to "not give a damn" I stopped seeking validation from others. There are only two rules I follow. Always be respectful and never offed others. I know that as long as I follow those rules and someone doesn't like me, then I know that the person gotta go. :)
There is a lot of social pressure whether we are at work, school or any other community. But the desire to "fit in" is a sure recipe for unhappiness in life. Look at this way. If you constantly seek validation from others or if you often try to meet someone expectations of who you should be, you'll never feel good enough. You are putting your worth into someone else's hands.
But.....
If you know who you are and you respect yourself before anyone else, there isn't a person who can damage your self-esteem since you understand that their opinion is well, just an opinion. Nothing else.
I would love to know your opinion on this topic so don't hesitate and join the conversation in the comment section below.
Thank you for reading.
XoXo
Silvia