Stuck on Other People's Approval
By Noelle Nelson. Posted on .
Why are you stuck on what other people think of what you do? Why do you let other people’s opinions get in the way of doing what you love?
A woman lunching with friends says, “I’m thinking about going back to school, getting a degree in social work. The kids are in school, I’ve got more time now.” “School!” one friend exclaims, “you outta your mind? You’ve got a perfectly good job, and you haven’t been to school in what – 15 years?” “I know,” the woman replies, “But this is something I’ve always wanted to do.” “You don’t want to be a social worker,” another friend says, “The hours are terrible, the pay is pathetic, and you don’t have the stamina to go into broken homes and drug neighborhoods. Nah. If you want to go to school, go into web design or med tech.” “I guess you’re right,” the woman says. “Of course we are,” the first friend says, “we’re your friends.”
More from YourTango: Heart Fails To Flutter
But they’re not right – even if they are your friends. So how do you fulfill your dreams and keep your friends’ approval? Have the courage to be true to yourself. All your friends really want for you is your happiness.They are trying to protect you against possible unhappiness. Go to school if that pleases you, tell only those friends who are unconditionally supportive of you, and once you’re launched in your new adventure, loving it and thriving because of it, your other friends will support you too, because they’ll see you’re happy.
More from YourTango: Husband Resents Time With Kids
It’s your life! Only you know what will make your experience of life truly rewarding.
