Warts

Someone can say "I don't care what anyone else thinks", but they're either lying or have never experienced a genuine human relationship. I'd say that kind of mindset is unrealistic, and when it comes down to it, unhealthy. I think it's natural to want other people to have a high opinion of oneself. I'd say it's fine to want other people's approval. Not everyone mind you, but a select few people who's opinions are of value and help bring balance to your life. I care about what other people think, even if I come off otherwise. I care about the opinions of people that know me. People I've shared real things with; real emotions and real experiences. People who have seen me cry. People who have seen me embarrass myself. People who know things about me. And not very many people fit all of those criteria, and that doesn't bother me. It's easier when less people know you. It's less tempting to keep up appearances. And maybe I'm scared of getting hurt, maybe I tend to avoid it subconsciously. But let's not sugar coat it, opinions can scar a person. Words can leave deep gashes if you let them. No, gashes isn't the right metaphor. They're like warts. They don't go away when you cover them with a band aid. They don't just heal over with time. The only way to get rid of them is to let the chemical remedies burn them away. The chemicals have to painfully eat away at the wart, and then to ensure it doesn't return, the chemicals have burn away the roots and the surrounding area. People, and opinions are the same way. You can pretend everything's fine. You can cover it all up, or put it out of your mind. But you will never be free of the chains words put on you until you cut you ties, and let it all burn. A piece of you will feel pain. A piece of you will burn, but it'll strengthen you in the end. You won't let opinions matter that much to you in future. You won't let people get so close, to have that kind of impact. And fire purifies, so it's okay to just let the fire burn. Someone once asked where out identity is derived from. Is it defined by what we see in ourselves, or by what other can see? Your call.