The Lingering Sting of Embarrassment
We’ve all been there – stuck in a moment of insecurity and embarrassment from our past, no matter how far we’ve come. Whether it’s a forgotten line in a school play or a wardrobe malfunction, these memories can still evoke feelings of awkwardness and self-doubt.
The Formative Power of Embarrassment
For me, one particularly cringeworthy era was the summer before college, when I felt left behind as my peers embarked on exciting adventures. I was stuck working a full-time job at a strip mall store, and I tried to hide the truth from others by exaggerating my circumstances. But the laughter and pity of my friends cut deep, leaving a lasting impact.
The Pity of Others
There’s no feeling worse than being pitied, and it’s a sentiment that can haunt us for years. It’s the kind of feeling that makes us feel like we’re always on the verge of being that same awkward teenager, if we make one wrong move.
The Illusion of Insecurity
Fast-forward to adulthood, and I’ve experienced that same pang of embarrassment again. As someone who works online, my career is often misunderstood by those around me. While it doesn’t usually bother me, an offhand comment from someone praising another friend’s entrepreneurial endeavors while dismissing my own work as “unserious” felt like a punch to the gut. It was a reminder of how others view my profession and, by extension, me.
The Anxiety of Keeping Up
We’re taught to feel constantly insecure about our place in the professional and academic world. We’re encouraged to envy others’ successes, struggle to prove ourselves, and base our life decisions on how they’ll be perceived by others. But the truth is, no one really cares about our accomplishments or setbacks.
The Freedom of Indifference
When we feel behind, it’s easy to get caught up in the anxiety of keeping up. But the reality is, others are too busy with their own lives to notice our struggles. They’re not thinking about us, and they’re certainly not laughing or pitying us. This realization can be incredibly freeing, allowing us to focus on our own goals and decisions without worrying about what others think.
Beyond the Cool Kid’s Table
We’re not in high school anymore, and there’s no need to strive for validation from others. There’s only room for us to join the ranks of people who are happy and fulfilled in their own choices – whatever they may be.
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