I used to be a happy person who didn't care too much about what people thought, but now I get paranoid and assume if people are looking at me, it's because they must think I'm ugly and I get frustrated easily. I used to be social, but now I love spending time on my own more, reading and learning about things. I long to actually stand out from the crowd and be strong-willed and free, but I'm too shy and insecure most of the time.
I wish sometimes that I could shut out the world and what other people think. People who meet me briefly always say, "Oh, you're a quiet one, aren't you?" or call me a "dainty doll". I just want to do my own thing and not take things so personally. How can I learn to be more self-reliant and do my own thing without doubting myself and wondering if people think I'm too ugly or awkward?
I wish sometimes that I could shut out the world and what other people think. People who meet me briefly always say, "Oh, you're a quiet one, aren't you?" or call me a "dainty doll". I just want to do my own thing and not take things so personally. How can I learn to be more self-reliant and do my own thing without doubting myself and wondering if people think I'm too ugly or awkward?