Charlou wrote:Looking at what you can change about yourself to improve things is obviously a good first step (too many people are unwilling to do this, instead pointing at everyone else as the source of their problems) and I think you're probably right about the reason some people don't take you seriously. You've established an expectation in them that you'll behave in a certain way and they feel most comfortable keeping you at that level in the social pecking order. You can change people's view of you by changing your outlook (DP's suggestion), and acting in accordance with your own view (which can include incorporating others' views and fair compromise). You've said you're not concerned about losing 'friends', which may happen when people become uncomfortable with you no longer performing in accordance with their expectations. Who really wants friends who don't allow you to develop and grow as an individual? Develop who you want to be and be consistent in your demeanor and behaviour when responding to others ... eventually they'll get a grip on the fact that you're maturing and will accept that you're changing. They'll either accommodate that or not, and that's their issue.
Size ... I can think of many people of slight build/stature who have an air of self assurance which comes across in their stance, their composure, their confidence in their world view, etc.
If you can make decisions and take actions that make you feel good about yourself and your place in the world, others will be aware of it. Rather than wanting to actively manipulate others, work on improving and being happy with yourself and let others consider your example.
Exactly, thanks
Are you a psychologist by any chance?lol
What I've found, is that I really annoy people. I abandoned school at the age of 14 years old, I wasn't intelligent but I was insane. This insanity got me everywhere while at the same time no where. I was just the sproggy kid who got stoned and improvised songs to make people laugh. I tailed behind the more assertive and popular and my name became synonymous with them and people considered me dependant. When allot of drama broke out, I went home and stayed there (for once) and began to read--to relate, to revise to regain a higher position which was safer and more permanent.
Since then, I'm an authority on many subjects but not an
authority . When someone tries to outwit me, in say, political affairs I rebuke them and in good measure I come across as a condescending cock. This wouldn't be a bad thing, but I haven't the
authority to pull it off, and so instead of people accepting my refutations, they belittle me instead.
The backlash of following my wish really wouldn't matter much, for months people have already told me 'I've changed'. They have my dearest sympathies, but I don't particularly want to be their bitch any more.
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