There are ways of saying things.

I've said in the past that I don't care what people think of me, but truly, "people" isn't everyone. When it comes to the ones I care about, it means a lot.

When a stranger makes a rude comment we think, "You don't know me" and brush it off soon enough. But their compliments hold on, making us feel that even strangers appreciate us. With those we love, the compliments hold for a while, sometimes even being taken for granted. Any slight resemblance of criticism, however, can stick with us perpetually. It's funny (or rather, quite shitty) in this case how the mean things always stick with us more than the kind things we're offered.

The people who know us through and through are the ones whose comments are the seemingly most honest ones. We then fear that if that's what they think of us, is it really who I am?

I'm not saying that it is, but close friends' interpretations of you become reflections of how you exhibit yourself. Unless of course, they're genuinely rude and are saying it to be mean. In which case, you should probably rethink the legitimacy of your friendship.

Of course, you cannot change the way people are going to interpret you, but you have the choice as to what you're offering them to interpret. So all in all, as my argument has always ended on this topic, be yourself. From the words of Dr Seuss:

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

Another thing to think about is how the things you might say may affect someone else. Others may know they're wonderful, but you should always remind them of how much they mean to you. And on the other hand, think about the critical stuff before it leaves your lips. Honesty should always come first, but there are ways of saying things.

Remember, you can have a stronger effect on people than you realise.

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