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Insecure Guys Finish Last
The self-fulfilling prophecy of being an insecure person
The American reality series Survivor has fascinated viewers for over two decades. Players navigate alliances and betrayals, and the ones voted out form the jury who then selects the winner. This arbitrary rule rewards players crafty enough to outlast others, yet remain likable to earn their vote for a million dollars. However, audiences may be confused when the jury votes a different way from what they expect. Why is the neurotic strategist denied votes, but the sociable charmer can cross everyone and still get people’s respect?
To answer the question, we have to understand Survivor was created as a social experiment, and the show is a microcosm of life in itself. What I have learned from the show is that perception is reality. What you give becomes what others take from you. Two people can have similar strategies, but the assertive person will win people over for being a straight shooter, while the anxious one will be condemned for being cold and hard to read. Confidence makes people feel assured, while insecurity breeds doubt in others.
This lesson hit me hard after a fallout with a close friend. We can have the purest of intentions, but if our actions do not sufficiently demonstrate them, others will question your integrity. At my lowest, the anxiety I…
