Since we are people living in a society full of expectations, opinions, and judgments, it is hard to totally avoid negativity. People will always have something to say about your life, your decisions, your appearance, or the way you conduct yourself, regardless of who you are. It can occasionally take the shape of unwarranted remarks, bullying, trolling, or criticism. I don't think it's realistic to advise people to dismiss negativity entirely because those remarks will eventually have an emotional impact on us. We are not machines; we are people. It's common to feel wounded or worn out by ongoing criticism.
I myself feel more cautious about sharing anything online these days since I am aware of how quickly others can pass judgment. Even the tiniest item can occasionally spark conversation. I eventually stop feeling the need to justify myself to everyone. I genuinely feel worn out, even when those close to me tell me, "You should address it" or "You should defend yourself." Constantly trying to prove yourself to people who already misunderstand you can sap your energy, both intellectually and emotionally.
In actuality, debating every unfavorable remark is exhausting. You take a lot of time outlining your goals, defending your behavior, and attempting to persuade others of your point of view. However, not everyone is interested in talking with you. Some people have already formed an opinion of you, and regardless of what you do, they will always see you that way. Because of this, constantly vying for acceptance eventually becomes emotionally taxing.
One comment made by a CEO in the food industry during an interview I once heard truly stuck with me. She clarified that when someone is disliked, it has nothing to do with their business, skill, or even positive traits. The one thing they don't like about you takes center stage, even if you do seven positive things. It helped me come to a profound realization: sometimes people don't criticize your acts because they are wrong. Sometimes people just don't like you, and as a result, nothing you do will ever seem right to them.
That insight altered my perspective on negativity. I realized that it is futile to continuously prove yourself to individuals who have already made up their minds. If someone has already made up their mind not to value you, no amount of self-explanation, hard work, kindness, or accomplishment will ever make them happy. It is healthier to concentrate on those who truly value your presence and intentions rather than exhausting yourself attempting to win everyone's approval.
In the end, peace takes precedence over approval. Not every critique merits your attention, and not every viewpoint merits a response. Silence can sometimes be a safeguard for your own mental health rather than a sign of weakness. When you give up attempting to win everyone's approval, life becomes lighter. Those that genuinely get you will stick around, while those who don't will keep talking. That's just a part of being human.
Mirhaa05 (hemirhaphysio@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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