Oooops… my bad though.
This past year I’ve really been trying to unlearn something that’s been sitting heavy on me for a long time… caring way too much about how I’m perceived.
Carrying the weight of other people’s judgment like it’s somehow my responsibility to hold it.
And the funny thing is, the people I look up to, the ones I actually admire and vibe with… they ask me all the time,
“Dorothy… why do you care so much?”
And every time, I come up blank.
The only answer I’ve ever had is,
“I don’t know… I think I’m supposed to?”
Like somewhere along the way we all got handed this invisible rulebook that says we should shrink, adjust, explain ourselves, and make everyone else comfortable before we ever get to just exist.
But I’m starting to realize… that rulebook might be complete nonsense.
So yeah, I’m trying.
I’m trying to let the side comments roll off.
I’m trying to not internalize every look, every opinion, every assumption.
I’m trying to stop editing myself just to be easier for other people to digest.
But while I’m doing that… I need to say this too:
If what I’m doing bothers you, confuses you, annoys you, or just isn’t your vibe…
Why do you care so much?
Because the truth is… you don’t have to.
You can unfollow.
You can block.
You can mute me.
You can scroll right past me like I never existed.
And I promise you… I’ll be just fine.
Because I’ve found my people.
The ones who don’t judge me for being myself.
The ones who don’t need me to shrink to feel comfortable.
The ones who get it.
And I’d rather be fully seen by a few… than quietly approved by everyone.
So yeah…
Over the past year, I've embarked on a personal journey to unlearn the habit of caring too much about how others perceive me. It’s been incredibly freeing to realize that much of the anxiety and self-editing stemmed from an invisible rulebook we all seem to carry—telling us to shrink ourselves for comfort and approval. A key change for me has been recognizing the power of detachment from judgment. Instead of internalizing every criticism or sideways glance, I’ve started practicing a mindset that aligns with phrases like “idc” (I don’t care) and “idgaf” (I don’t give a f***). Not in a dismissive way towards others, but as a tool to protect my peace and authenticity. Setting boundaries has been essential. When someone’s energy or comments trouble me, I remind myself that I have the power to mute or unfollow—to curate my space for positivity and growth. This practice not only diminished the noise around me but deepened my relationships with those who truly see and accept me. What surprised me the most is how much more connected I feel to my true self and my community when I stop trying to be universally liked. I've learned that being fully seen by a few is more meaningful than quietly approved by many. For anyone struggling with similar feelings, I encourage this mindset shift: notice when you’re carrying others’ judgments unnecessarily, question why you care, and remember you always have the choice to protect your mental space. Self-growth is messy and ongoing, but every step toward self-acceptance is worth it. The process helped me move from feeling burdened to being empowered, living more authentically, and finding my true circle—those who don’t judge and accept you as you are.