Balancing insecurity and popularity with standing by your beliefs

66Mustang

I've been doing some thinking for the last few weeks

It’s sometimes hard having to deal with insecurities; it’s also hard standing by what you believe is right even when those principles are unpopular

What about dealing with both at once????

I witness lots of people just spout a selection of popularly held views and become universally loved … that’s not for me

But there are also people who, while you have to credit them for standing by their beliefs, there are an awful lot of people who hate them … also not for me!

I don’t think I have any AWFUL views a la Anne Widdecombe or Trump or Kim Jong-Un etc … but some of my views could be considered “maverick” and it’s hard to stand by them in a room full of majoritarians

I also have insecurities - I often think I’m a bad person, or disliked, or something similar… I need constant reassurance and also constantly have to look for proof that these things are not true

I could become a “prostitute” and just copy the views of the majority, and then orate to people who already share the same opinion, it would satisfy my insecurities as I’m sure I would become popular … but what’s the point in doing that?

At the end of the day I’d rather have a few people who like me for what I am and what I stand for, than be really popular for being something I’m not

But it’s not always easy

Just some thoughts

Can anyone relate??

MW123

@66Mustang
Conforming for acceptance may be tempting, but true fulfilment comes from staying true to yourself. Finding a balance between authenticity and managing insecurities is key. Many understand your struggle, but in the end, staying true to yourself is always worth it. It's a powerful stance to take, living authentically and in alignment with your values.

66Mustang

Thanks @MW123

I was kind of expecting no-one to "get" what I was trying to say. It's reassuring that somebody understands the need to find a balance, and what you say resonates with me. Maybe it sounds silly but I'm going to copy your post so I can go back to it when I have doubts in future

Sandy_123

It's easy to jump on a band wagon and fit in to their norm. Mainly to stop being looked down on or being pushed away because you have different beliefs. So conforming the the mainstream, its a bit like hiding your true self. I recon  it's better to have your own views, beliefs, even if backlash or distancing comes from it. That way you are your true person. Your values are also important. Hope that makes sense

Marydoll5

@66Mustang I believe that you staying true to your beliefs no matter what reinforces your sense of self. As I've got older I am sceptical of social media and think it gives this warped sense that everything is great in someone's life as they only put on the good things and it's not safe in my view to say much on it due to faceless trolls.

chiarieds

I think you should always stay true to your core beliefs; those that truly matter to you. On other matters, & despite the fact that I think you're somewhat like myself & don't like confrontation, I will however play 'Devil's advocate' in looking at an alternative/opposite point of view sometimes even if not popular, as you do. 

I do think it's important to look at both sides of an opinion if it matters to another. You may end up with a different viewpoint upon consideration, but if your belief is the same having looked at both points of view with equanamity, then hold onto this. If someone disagrees, then so be it; they're not necessarily 'right' or 'wrong;' nor are you!

Please don't lack confidence in being yourself; someone disliking your opinion doesn't mean they dislike you as a person....their loss if they do, as you're very thoughtful, philosophical & considerate of others.