19 Quotes About How To Deal With Judgmental People That Prove You Should Never Care About What Everyone Else Thinks
Society is so judgemental.
When I was younger, I was well known for being the quiet one in any given group. I preferred my books to the people around me, making more time to read than anything else. In fact, when I was in sixth grade, my English teacher at the time pulled me out of class to suggest I read a little less and told me my reading habits were the reason I didn’t have many friends. Ironic, right?
I’m one of those people who grew up quickly, maturing faster than my peers and blessed with the intelligence to back myself up. I was nerdy, with big plastic framed glasses. I dressed like a PTA mom at age 12 and loved musical theater more than anything. I was an easy, gawky target.
If you were to flash forward a few years and drive about 2 hours north, you’d find me a quarter away from graduating from the college of my dreams and living it up with my friends in spare seconds.
I’m explaining this because I’ve been teased, bullied, and mocked my whole life.
When I was younger, it was over the stupid little things. In some instances, I look back and laugh, almost agreeing with my bullies. Those glasses were the opposite of a fashion statement and I was totally pretentious and snobby.
I thought it would end after high school. That’s what everyone told me. Instead, outright bullying turned into whispered judgments and accusations. My ripped jeans became a neon sign that I was a "whore", my weekends spent with my long distance boyfriend translated to me sleeping around, my occasional screwdrivers with roommates meant that I was a party animal. The first time I was drunk, my ex accused me of being an alcoholic. My willingness to speak for feminist issues signified the fact that I was actually a child hater who wanted to tear down the institution of marriage. Me choosing to go to college meant I would never settle down.
We see these judgments ALL THE TIME — and I’m sick of it.
You could probably share a similar story, one in which choices you made came back to reflect on you in a way more negative way than they were intended. It happens in seconds, and then it’s too late to fix.
Society is a judgemental place. Things are done a certain way, and if you don’t follow the rules, you’re no longer welcome at the table. It sucks! That's why it's important to ignore the whispers and back-handed insults. Who cares what they have to say?
This is your life, honey. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Here are 19 confidence quotes about why you should never let society decide what kind of life you’re going to lead, so you can know how to deal with judgemental people.
1. Sometimes people just don't get it.
“Never waste your time trying to explain who you are to people who are committed to misunderstanding you.” — Unknown
2. It's all about your actions.
“When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself.” — Wayne Dyer
3. It takes seconds to tear down something good.
“People will question all the good things they hear about you, but believe the bad without a second thought.” — Unknown
4. They just don't know you.
“Do not judge my story by the chapter you walked in on.” — Unknown
5. Don't let them ruin it for you.
“When it comes to being happy there is no right or wrong. It’s just a battle between your happiness and their judgment.” — Unknown
6. Believe what you want, but don't shove it on anyone else.
“It’s quite possible to walk strongly in your convictions without passing judgment on others.” — Unknown
7. Be loud and be proud.
“Be proud of who you are, not ashamed of how someone else sees you.” — Unknown
8. You don't have to change who you are.
“She needs makeup to cover up because society taught her who she is isn’t enough.” — Unknown
9. Everyone has something to offer.
“Every human has something to offer this world; the question is will we create a society that can see everyone’s worth?” — Michael T. Goe
10. You matter.
“The great hope of society is in individual character.” — William Ellery Channing
11. Be yourself.
“In a society that profits from your self-doubt, liking yourself is a rebellious act.” — Caroline Caldwell
12. This is your life.
“Society is like the air, necessary to breathe but insufficient to live on.” — George Santayana
13. Make your own path.
“Can you remember who you were before the world told you who you should be?” — Charles Bukowski
14. You can do this.
“Society is like a large piece of frozen water; and skating well is the great art of social life.” — Letitia Elizabeth Landon
15. Society's view isn't the view that matters.
“Welcome to our society. You will be judged on what you wear, your taste in music, what you look like and how you act. Enjoy your stay.” — Unknown
16. Society sucks sometimes.
“The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.” — Unknown
17. Refrain from judging others.
“We live in a society that will look you up and down before they look into your eyes.” — Unknown
18. You don't need approval.
“Don’t look for society to give you permission to be yourself.” — Steve Maraboli
19. Follow your own path.
“It’s better to be wise alone, than mad with the rest of the world.” — Unknown
If you’re looking for a little inspiration, we’ve got the best quotes to share and savor. For quotes from the most inspiring celebs, activists, and poets, look no further! You might even find the quote that motivates the best parts of your life (and love!) forever.
Beth El Fattal is a writer who covers astrology, pop culture and relationship topics.