How to Ignore the Negative Opinions of Those Around You

While some people genuinely offer their opinions in an attempt to help you grow as a person, others make rude remarks and snarky comments in an attempt to tear you down. We’ve all had that moment where we’ve encountered an individual who has told us that we are too fat, too ugly, or not good enough to get what we want in life. These comments inevitably make us feel terrible and suppress the amazing person that is lying within each of us. Instead of reacting negatively or accepting their harsh words as truth, learn more about why these people do what they do and what you can do to counteract their behavior below.
Why Do People Put Us Down?
People will often put down those who are happy with every aspect of their lives because they are threatened by them. Negative people are unhappy with those who are confident and carefree and they know that these people serve as a constant reminder of their own flaws. For example, people who may be a little overweight but who are comfortable with themselves can remind an insecure person that they are not happy with their weight. Therefore, they will attack the secure person in order to make themselves feel better. Remember, when someone tries to bully you or make you feel like you are lesser than them, it is a problem with them, not with you.
What Can I Do to Counteract These Hurtful Comments?
Being secure and confident in how you live, act, and present yourself to the world is the only way to make sure that you are not hurt by people who are trying to bring you down. If you have difficulty seeing your own self-worth, here are some ways that you can build up your confidence.
1. Keep Your Negative Thoughts to a Minimum
People will have an easier time bringing you down if you believe the words that they tell you. If you look in the mirror on a daily basis and reinforce the ideas that you aren’t good enough then that is exactly how you will feel when someone else makes a similar comment. Be mindful of the things that you tell yourself. Next time you are going to put yourself down, make a conscious effort to stop yourself and to replace your negative thoughts with kind ones. Instead of saying, my body is disgusting and I will never be able to find a partner, say, I am perfect just the way I am and those who think otherwise are not deserving of me. A little positivity goes a long way.
2. Go From Ciao to Wow
If you never exercise, dress well, or groom yourself to the best of your ability, it is no wonder why you feel terrible about yourself. Force yourself to get outside and go for a jog. Buy that dress or suit that you have been eyeing for decades. Shave, moisturize, and pluck your way to freedom. You aren’t doing these things to gain approval from other people. You are doing these things to get the love you are missing from yourself. I know that when I put effort into my appearance and my fitness routine, I feel sexier and more confident. Show yourself that side of you and watch your confidence soar.
3. Do What You Want to Do
The beautiful thing about this life is that it is yours. It does not belong to your neighbor. It does not belong to your siblings. It belongs to you. Are you willing to accept less than what you want? No? Then why are you doing exactly just that? Pursue your dreams and your desires. If you want to be a traveling ukulele player, then do it. If you want to become a professional couch cushion designer, tan figure out a way to make that happen. Stop letting everybody tell you who you are and who you are supposed to be and be your own person. Once you do that, you will become aware that you are capable of anything.
Most Importantly…
The only opinion that matters is your own. What you believe is what you will become. If you see yourself as a hot, successful, amazing individual, that is what you will be. If you see yourself as lazy, terrible, and ugly, then that is what you will be as well. Do what you need to do to become the former individual and no rude comment will ever be able to bring you down again.
Remember, you are already amazing.
