In order to be appreciated and accepted by society, we often try to prove that we are perfect. But it is important to know that no one is born perfect. We cannot please everyone around us, nor should we try. When we accept ourselves as we are, instead of being what others want us to be, we attract genuine happiness and genuine relationships.
We’ve compiled a list of things we need to stop doing to impress others and live more fully by putting more of ourselves first.
Being humble doesn’t make you seem modest
Humble boasting is seen more as false modesty. A study claims that people who are proud of themselves are less sincere. Humiliating feels more like part bragging and part complaining, which is just irritating. If you want to brag, brag directly.
Travel to show off, rather than explore and live in the moment
Another study indicated that people tend to travel for “social status and tastes” instead of exploring the place. To provoke envy or impress others on social media, people often choose vacation spots that will provide a nice backdrop for their Instagram photos.
It’s time for us to stop looking at our fancy phones and DSLRs, to live in the moment and be grateful for what nature has to offer.
Impress your date to mask fear of rejection
The modern age of dating has revolutionized this generation to impress others with their so-called happy sides instead of being honest. This is because one or both of you spend time worrying about whether or not the other person likes you. Know that being honest always helps, because what is right will always value your honesty and will never leave your side.
Not being your authentic self
Sometimes we go the extra mile to impress someone by grooming ourselves more personally, wearing fancy clothes, and being friendlier in general. This can be considered normal. According to research, we sometimes show ourselves just to survive.
But what doesn’t seem normal is when you become a totally different person to impress them and do things you’re not comfortable with in the first place. That is what you should stay away from.
Showing off your relationship on social media
These days, couples love to show off their relationship on social media to show each other and the world that their love is strong. One study claims that this need to upload a lot of relationship posts is called relationship visibility.
Couples who are insecure about their relationship or who may feel a little sad for their partner use social media platforms to get external validation to feel better.
In other words, positive feedback from their network can relieve them of personal angst about the relationship.
Spending extravagantly on weddings
These days, weddings are more about showing off wealth, impressing guests, or just making “the moment” special. Well, we’re not suggesting that having one is a bad idea, but the research itself suggests that having a great marriage can increase your chances of getting divorced.
On the other hand, frugal marriages can result in happy and long-lasting marriages.
Have you or someone you know gone to great lengths to impress someone? It worked? What lessons did this teach you? Share your story with us in the comments below.