Does what others think, count?

I’ve been thinking about this blog topic for a number of years. I’ve come to the conclusion that there are two valid answers. Yes and no. Now, I’m not trying to be flippant but there really are two valid answers in what can be categorized in each of three perspectives. Whether it is yes or no depends upon the perspective you are coming from.

Here are three perspectives with a example of the two answers for each of them:

1. Environmental perspectives:
1. The answer might be yes if your perspective is coming from a job that requires interaction with people.
2. The answer might be no if you are retired and live in your motorhome that is docked in some nondescript place where living off social security is possible.
2. Emotional perspectives:
1. The answer might be yes if you have a need to please others.
2. The answer might be no if you really don’t give a darn.
3. Awareness perspectives:
1. The answer might be yes if you are a counselor and helping another person break through a problem. How the other person reacts to you is important.
2. The answer might be no if you are so comfortable with who you are that the negative side of what another thinks never becomes confrontational.

Naturally, there are many variants of the six above statements. I am not really sure if any of the variants is good or bad, better or best. Neither am I sure whether the three perspectives are properly labeled, but at least they are a good start...

The only nonjudgemental thing I can come up with is, “so what.”

What do you think?

Sam