What will people say

The need for external validation is quite human. Some insecurity about others’ opinions is natural. However, in many of us, it reaches completely disproportionate levels.

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Swami Brahmavidananda Saraswati

The need to post perfect pictures on social media is compelling—presenting an image where our lives, jobs, families, and relationships appear flawless. We need everyone who sees these to validate who we are. But that is not what we really are. The curated image is not our authentic self. The same issue manifests negatively as fear of public opinion. “What will people say?” becomes paralysing.