Should You Really Care What Society Thinks of You?

From the way we dress to the careers we choose, a lot of our decisions are quietly influenced by “log kya kahenge.” In Tier 2 cities across India, where close-knit communities often blur the line between concern and judgment, societal expectations shape lives more than we’d like to admit. But is caring about what society thinks helping us—or quietly holding us back?

The need for acceptance is natural

At the core, humans are social beings. We want to feel accepted, understood, and included. It’s normal to care what people think—especially those closest to us. In small towns and middle-class families, reputation isn’t just personal—it reflects on the family, too.

So the pressure isn’t always direct, but it’s deeply felt. Don’t wear this, don’t speak like that, don’t take that job—because someone, somewhere, will talk.

When society’s opinion becomes a burden

Caring too much, though, can slowly erase individuality. You start second-guessing decisions based on approval instead of instinct. A girl might skip a career opportunity because “shaadi ke baad kya hoga.” A boy might avoid a creative path because “log artist ko serious nahi lete.”

This kind of pressure often delays personal growth. People settle for safe choices, not fulfilling ones. They silence parts of themselves to fit a picture painted by others.

But society isn’t a single voice

Here’s the thing—“society” isn’t one person. It’s a mix of voices, and not all of them matter equally. Some are wise, some are insecure, and many are simply echoing outdated fears.

Listening to every opinion will only confuse you. The challenge is learning which voices deserve space in your decisions. Not all advice is criticism, but not all criticism is useful either.

Finding your balance

It doesn’t have to be rebellion or full surrender. You can respect others and still respect yourself. Listen, reflect, but choose for yourself. That’s where real confidence comes from.

Start small. Make choices that reflect your values, not just approval. Whether it’s about relationships, careers, or how you live your life—owning your choices brings peace that approval can’t.

The bottom line

Caring about society is not wrong—it’s human. But letting it control your life is a different story. People will talk no matter what. They’ll always have something to say.

What matters is whether you can live with your choices. In the end, society forgets. But you live with yourself every day. Make that version of you the one you respect the most.