Why Do People Judge Me?

In high school and university, I was judged for not drinking and studying so much. Everyday, I was nervous walking down the halls in my high school. I would think about all the people judging me. By grade 11, my friends stopped hanging out with me because I took school too seriously and I had no interest in getting drunk with them.

I could have succumbed to the peer pressure, but I stayed true to myself and stayed an introverted study bug. I played flute in a band, studied all night, worked, and never really went out with friends. Talk about being a band nerd and a bookwork all at once. I couldn’t find anyone that wanted to do stuff other than drinking and smoking.

Do I regret some of this? For sure. I think parties could have been really fun. I think back to high school and how much I hated it some days. If I had just fit in instead of resisting, it would have been a lot easier for me. But, maybe taking the easy route is not the best route.

Now, I’m 21, a month out of my undergrad, and I’m working as a software developer at Shopify, I’m living with the man of my dreams ❤, and I play in a concert band every week with wonderful musicians. So, what did I learn? Stay true to yourself. Don’t give into the pressure.

When you look at someone, you judge them right away. Am I wrong? That’s how humans are. Biologically, we judge because we have to measure people up — are they a threat, are they a good mate, and so on. We are very quick to judge so we can decide how to stay alive. People judge you everyday. Some people don’t like the shirt you have on. Some people are jealous of the life you lead.

So, do something for yourself — instead of thinking about how other people want you to look and act, try taking control of your life, loving yourself, and staying true to your personal values.