You know that thought that comes through your mind? The one that’s: I wonder what people say about me? Then you think to yourself: I don’t care what people think! In truth and reality we do care what others think of us, or rather, some individuals who matter to us.

Thing is, I was never quite sure what others thought of me or what they really thought of me.

And truth is, I do care sometimes because our behaviors and our presentation of who we are impacts those around us, and it’s never a bad idea to know if we are impacting others in a positive or negative way the majority of the time… basically what I’m saying is that you shouldn’t necessarily pay attention to gossip or rumors about you but if people sense you are ingenuous or rude or stuck up most of the time, well, it’s not a bad idea to adjust your presentation. THEN AGAIN… don’t modify who you are to fit into society’s “accepted roles and personalities”…. so then what’s the solution?

The solution isn’t clear or simple… it’s not black and white, it’s definitely shaded in gray. If others don’t like us, but we like ourselves, there isn’t a problem but if others dislike us and we find it difficult to maintain friendships or connect with others, it might be a sign to change one’s interpersonal skills.

The title of this post is “Everyone Talks” because I originally wanted to write about how people, especially those who have too much free time, tend to talk about others in such a negative fashion rather than point out the positives and the commendable aspects of others. People talk and criticize whether you do something good or bad, whether you get married or divorced, whether you get a job or switch careers, go to college or start a business, have children or decide not to, etc. It’s unfortunate that people talk so negatively in such high passions when that energy and time can be directed elsewhere.

Thing is, I know I’m different and I think outside the box and my views aren’t generally accepted and I’m not going to say “F*ck what people say, I don’t care.” because we all care in some capacity. However, what I do not care for is others talking about me behind my back about me… but I can’t stop that, what I suggest instead is open communication (aka, say it to my face). But if that can’t be done, not much I can do.

In short, everyone talks, but if only everyone used that time for a greater purpose, we’d all be talking about that instead.