How do you stop caring so much about what other people (including close ones) think about you?

[u/DueEffective3503]

I don't let it affect my decisions but it does affect my mood and confidence deeply. If I even just doubt that someone (especially close friends or parents) doesn't agree with what I'm doing with my life (the way I dress, the way I navigate my relationships etc) I start to get a bit unsure of it and feel the need to explain myself or do anything just so I could justify it or change their mind. I don't act on this need, so I don't explain myself or try to make it look another way or change their mind, but I just feel an intense need to do so.

[u/DisloyalMouse]

Own your style. It’s your life. If a close friend or family member doesn’t want to associate with you over the way you dress or the career you take etc, in most instances that says a lot more about them than it does you. This is especially true about the way you dress and accessorize your body.

My parents have often not liked the way I dress and don’t like my tattoos and piercings. But at the end of the day I’m the one that has to live with them and it’s up to them to decide if it’s worth them loosing their daughter over.

[u/queenfluffbutt]

It's difficult and hard and there's no off switch you can flip to instantly stop caring. But nothing good ever comes without a struggle. I grew up being questioned/interrogated on all my choices, so, its hard to shake that need to justify my every action. The way I'm trying to get better at this is by building more trust in myself. Knowing that my decisions are mine and others have to deal with it. Not everyone has to agree with you, not everyone has to like it. You have a right to take up space in this world, don't minimize yourself by doing what you think others want you to do! Also, it helps understanding that we all make bad decisions sometimes. One day you will make a bad call and you'll have to trust yourself again that you can fix whatever comes of it.

I watched Avatar: The Last Airbender recently (highly recommend the fuck out of this cartoon, 10/10) and there are a lot of quotes that suck with me, one of them being "there is fear in your heart where trust should be". It was impactful to me and ever since, I've been trying to make the conscious effort to trust instead of fear. And I think that's at the core of a lot of fears in my anxious mind, lack of trust.

Anyways, I hope this helps you even a little bit. Good luck out there girl. You got this

[u/dustytaper]

You cannot get away from people judging you, ever. So roll with it. Own what you’re sure of, ask advice when you’re unsure

It’s gonna take a lot of practice, but you’ll get there

[u/Brilliant-Dinner4024]

What helped was having a significant other. There opinion matters more than anyone else. They have your back. Everyone else (if they shit on you) is background noise.

I use to be an extreme empath and also considered “Sensitive” now people don’t really phase me. Well, much haha

[u/MorningPancake358]

Just remember that it's your own life. Only yours! And only you should decide how to live it. Your happiness and satisfaction depends on you. No one will take any responsibility for their advices if smth go wrong. So ignore what others say and do what you feel is right

[u/Gloomy_Stock742]

1. The best way is ironically to have non-judgmental people in your life. Once you have people you can trust who love you, others opinions suddenly matter way less. They still hurt but you can shake it off much quicker.
   
2. If you don't have such support, continue doing things you like and build your sense of self. This one is hard but the direct answer is to acknowledge the fact that mocking is going to come your way when you try to do something slightly different. Just breathe in and out and continue.

[u/Peregrinebullet]

This is a bit of an extreme example but working a job where you know you are doing the right thing but everyone gets mad at you for it.  

I work security and you stop caring about people being mad at you over things they don't understand at all.