Many people make the mistake of establishing their entire lives on the judgment of others. They do not live as themselves; they live instead in fear of rejection, as puppets, so to say, of what other people want them to be. Their true character is traded for the acceptance of those around them.

If one has to hide their personality in front of those who “love” them, there is a lack of love. If a friend cannot accept someone for who they are, they should not be considered a friend. People who contribute nothing more to a relationship than judgment should be disregarded entirely. True friends are meant to build each other up, not tear each other down. They can love despite, or even because of, flaws. Anyone who should be considered a friend can, and will, accept a person’s imperfections, and the same courtesy should be mirrored back to them. Those who truly matter in life do not mind little quirks and eccentricities.

Why bother changing for others when singularity is much more interesting? If people set their personalities free from the restraints that have been placed on them, others with similar qualities will be attracted, and there will be no need to hide. The freedom of shedding mental restrictions is indescribable and the feeling of confidence is overwhelming.

If unique behavior is considered weird, so be it; the lives of those who judge abnormal actions are empty, filled only with criticism of the lives of others. Ultimately, it is useless to strive for the love of others because everyone has their own personal view of perfection. Because everyone is different, it is impossible to please them all. Depending on others for approval only results in disappointment.

More than anything else, self-acceptance should be valued above the acceptance of others. Self-acceptance is not seeing oneself as perfect; it is looking past, and even loving, imperfections.  If one is happy with their image of themselves, other opinions should not matter. Self-esteem should be based only on self-love, not the judgment of others. Diluting one’s personality to gain the approval of others is unnecessary; the only approval anyone needs is their own. The affection of shallow people is not worth censoring individuality.

People cannot spend their lives living in fear of rejection from others when they are still busy rejecting themselves. If one cannot love their self, how can they expect anyone else to? People should cherish their unique qualities, not hide them to gain the approval of others. Not one human being is exactly like another, and we should celebrate that fact, not suffer because of it. Loving oneself improves life in ways that are unimaginable until experienced. Self-love is the first step, and everything else falls into place.