It’s Not A Bad Thing To Wear Your Heart On Your Sleeve, But Growing A Thicker Skin Can Help You Hold Your Head High And Move Past Tough Life Moments
Do you want to know something that always bugged me as a kid? When I’d get upset after someone teased me or made me feel bad, an adult would tell me, “You need to grow a thicker skin.”
I’d get so angry whenever I was told that because I always felt that being picked on by other kids, whether it was for how I looked or something I said, was one of the most hurtful things in the world, and there was no need for me to toughen up.
While yes, you’re allowed to be sad when something doesn’t go your way, or someone does something hurtful, it shouldn’t force your world to come tumbling down.
I think that’s the point the adults in my life were trying to make. I needed thicker skin so that the next time something like that happened, I wouldn’t fall apart and become as distraught as I was at the moment. Instead, I needed to get stronger, hold my head up, and move on.
However, growing thick skin and moving past drama or heartbreak is easier said than done. That’s especially true if you’ve always been a more sensitive person like myself (Pisces problems!).
If you’ve always struggled to follow someone’s advice when they tell you to grow a thicker skin or need help moving past moments where you feel beat down, here are some tips for you.
First things first, remind yourself that not everyone is going to like you. People pleasers are the ones that have the hardest time growing a thick skin and getting past rejection. You can’t be everybody’s ‘cup of tea,’ and you can’t be everyone’s best friend.
There’s a good chance that several times in your life, you’ll meet someone who doesn’t like you and makes it obvious they don’t like you.
Instead of trying to win their affection, only to get hurt in the end, distance yourself and accept that’s the way things are. Focus on those who do love you!
letohin – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
You also have to remember that you cannot measure your self-worth by what other people say about you.
When you get compliments or receive praise at work or from your loved ones, it fuels your ego and makes you feel so good that when someone gives you a critique or says something mean, it makes you question everything.
When someone says something that makes you feel bad about yourself, focus on what you’ve achieved that makes you proud. Think of all the things you love about yourself. Don’t listen to other people.
Finally, remember that rejection is a part of life. Humans face rejection all the time. For instance, actors get turned away after 90% of their auditions. They’re some people who learn the fastest that rejection is not that big of a deal.
There will be people in your social life, love life, work life, etc., who will reject you. It’s a part of life, but you cannot let it break you.
Look to the future and focus on moving on. Yes, mourning and feeling sad when this happens is okay, but you can’t stay down for long.
Keeping these tips in mind will help your skin grow thicker over time. Hang in there, and remember you are loved!
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