When I was at work on Friday, one of the young (~20 years) guys was telling an older guy (~45) person that he didn’t care what people thought of him, and gave a list of reasons and examples. As I listened to him, I felt that what he was saying was a truth, but only a part truth, in that it didn’t apply to ALL PEOPLE, but only to the people that he didn’t know, or that he didn’t want to be friends with.
The statement didn’t apply to his family and friends with whom he shared common interests and goals. He needed their support and acceptance that made him feel safe and loved. The people he wanted in his life (family and friends) were the ones where he did care what they thought of him because if they thought poorly or negatively of him, they would reject, or even attack him, and then he would feel rejected, unwanted, unloved and alone.
I was going to comment, but just then the supervisor made an announcement and we broke for lunch.
JR
