It is innate human nature to constantly compare yourself with those around you and to gain their approval in a plethora of little to large things. This is because, we have evolved as a social species and it has served us to be a part of a group for survival purposes.

Today, when much of the dangers faced by our ancestors have been mitigated, we still seek to "fit in" and be a part of the society because new factors and considerations have cropped up.

That's why we care so much about what other people think and guide our actions and behaviour accordingly. While this serves a purpose on a macro scale where things like morality are concerned, it might hamper one's life greatly if we see things from the micro perspective.

As human beings, we want to live a life of freedom where we can do as we please and yet that's not what happens generally. At least not in the part of the world I come from. This to me, is a huge paradox and one that saddens me quite a bit.

Are We Truly Free?

Theoretically, living in a democracy, we consider ourselves to be free individuals where we can do and say whatever we want as long as we're not breaking the law of the land. But the tendency to care for what other people think has made us prisoners of sorts.

I mean, if you change any aspect of your life in fear of what others might say, are you not their prisoner? We wear what we think others will like, we say and act keeping others in mind, we even select one photo out of many to post on social media, that we think others will like.

This also applies to the things we don't do. Many people don't go after their dreams or make use of their talents fearing judgement from others, we don't share our deepest thoughts and feelings fearing ridicule or rejection from others. In my country, many don't even marry the one they love fearing what others might say or think.

This begs the question. Are we really free? Or are we prisoners of others' thoughts and judgements that frankly, might not even exist. What we do, wear, act, eat or anything else, is none of anybody's business and yet our actions are heavily influenced by "what other people will think".

Let me ask you a question. When/if you ever need those people whose thoughts you care about so much, will they come to your aid then? I don't think so. Even if some of them did, your life is your own and you have every right to live it the way you see fit. No compromises. No guilt.