30 Must-Try Tips on How to Stop Caring What Others Think

I’ll Tell You All about How to Not Care about What Others Think

Sometimes I care way too much about what people think. I don’t mean to, it just happens.

I’ll catch myself picking an outfit, writing a text, or even choosing lunch based on how it might look to someone else. It’s exhausting.

So I started doing little things to let go of that pressure. Not big, scary changes.

Just tiny steps that helped me feel more like me. Things that reminded me I don’t have to live for someone else’s opinion.

This list is full of those things that show you how to stop caring what others think. You don’t have to try them all at once. Pick one. Try it. See how it feels.

These are small, real-life ways to care less what others think—and care a little more about what you think.

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1. Mute/Unfollow People Who Trigger Comparison on Social Media

I used to scroll and feel like I was always behind. Everyone looked perfect. They were always smiling, traveling, or showing off something new. I’d feel small, like I wasn’t doing enough.

Then I started muting people. Not because I didn’t like them, but because I needed peace. You can do this too.

Just hit “mute” or “unfollow.” It’s your space. You don’t owe anyone your attention. You’ll feel lighter, calmer, and more like yourself again.

2. Dress for Your Mood, Not the Trend

I used to feel like I had to dress a certain way to “fit in.” But sometimes, I just wanted to wear something cozy or colorful or totally weird. So I started doing that.

When I dressed for me, I felt happier. Not because I looked “cool,” but because I felt free. Try it—wear something that matches how you feel inside, not what a trend says.

Maybe it’s bright socks. Maybe it’s your favorite hoodie. Let your clothes be for you, not for the crowd.

3. Practice Not Explaining Your Silence

There are moments when I don’t feel like talking. I used to feel guilty about that. I’d rush to explain why I was quiet or not texting back. But now I just let it be.

You don’t have to explain every pause. Sometimes, silence is care for yourself.

People who love you will understand. And if they don’t, that’s okay too. Practice sitting in that quiet, knowing you don’t owe an explanation.

4. Practice Saying “No” without Explanation

Saying “no” used to be hard for me. I’d always try to explain or soften it. I didn’t want to upset anyone. But then I realized—I don’t need a reason every time.

You can just say, “No, thank you.” That’s enough.

You’re allowed to protect your time, your energy, your peace. It might feel weird at first, but it gets easier. Saying “no” without a story is a kind of freedom.

5. Stop Justifying Your Choices (Food, Career, Relationships)

I used to explain myself all the time. Why I ate a certain way, why I chose my job, or who I spent time with. I thought people needed to understand. But really, I needed to trust myself.

You don’t have to explain your choices. If something feels right for you, that’s what matters.

Let people think what they want. Live your life, not their idea of it. Your choices don’t need approval—they need to feel true to you.

6. Write In a “No-Filter” Journal Every Morning

Every morning, I write without rules. I don’t fix grammar. I don’t make it sound nice. I just let it all out. It’s my brain’s trash can, in the best way.

You can do this too. Grab a notebook. Don’t worry if it’s messy or weird. That’s the point. Let your thoughts spill out, unfiltered. You’ll feel clearer. It’s like clearing space inside your head.

7. Delete or Ignore a Message without Replying

I used to feel bad ignoring messages. Even ones that made me feel weird or drained. I’d reply just to be polite. But that left me tired and annoyed.

Now, I remind myself: I don’t owe everyone a response. You can delete a message or leave it unread.

You don’t need to explain or reply if you don’t want to. That’s not rude—it’s you protecting your peace. Your time and energy matter.

8. Join a Class or Hobby Group Where No One Knows You

I know this might not be among the most common things when you think about how to stop caring what others think, but hear me out.

It felt scary at first, going somewhere new where no one knew me. But it also felt free. No one had old stories about me. I got to just be me.

Try it. Join a class or a hobby group where you’re a blank slate. Let yourself mess up, be quiet, or try new things.

You might meet great people. Or maybe just enjoy something without pressure. Both are wins.

9. Wear Zero Makeup for a Week, Even to Important Places

I used to think I had to wear makeup to be “put together.” But one week, I stopped. At first, I felt exposed. But then I started to feel… normal. Like myself.

Going without makeup can remind you that you’re okay just as you are. Your face is not a project. It’s your face.

You might feel unsure on the first day. But by the end of the week, you might even feel powerful. Try it and see how it shifts things inside.

10. Do Something You “Suck At” for the Joy of It

I love doing things I’m bad at. Drawing silly pictures. Dancing off beat. Singing off key. I used to avoid it. Now I run toward it.

You don’t need to be good at something to enjoy it. Let go of being “good.” Just be in the moment. Laugh at yourself. Have fun anyway. That’s joy—real joy.

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11. Pick a Day to Not Check Your Reflection Once

One day, I skipped mirrors. No checking my hair. No fixing my face. It felt strange… but freeing. I realized how often I look just to judge myself.

Try it. Go one day without mirrors. No peeking in windows or shiny screens. Let your body just be. You’ll start to see how little you really need to control your looks. And how much peace that gives.

12. Make a Decision without Asking Anyone’s Opinion

I used to ask everyone before doing anything. “What do you think?” “Should I?” I didn’t trust myself. But then I made a small choice on my own. It felt strong.

Try it. Pick something—small or big—and don’t ask anyone first. Listen to you. Trust your gut. The more you do this, the more you’ll believe in yourself. You don’t need a vote to live your life.

13. Let Someone Else Be Disappointed in You. It’s Okay

I used to hate it when someone was upset with me. I’d twist myself around just to keep them happy. But that always made me feel worse later.

Then I learned: it’s okay if someone’s disappointed. You’re not here to meet everyone’s hopes. You’re here to live your life.

Let people feel what they feel. Their feelings are theirs to carry, not yours. You’re still a good person, even when someone’s not pleased with you.

14. Practice Holding Eye Contact a Little Longer

Eye contact used to make me nervous. I’d look away fast. It felt too close, too bold. But I started holding it just one second longer.

It felt scary at first. But over time, it made me feel strong. It shows you’re not hiding.

You’re here. You’re confident, even if you don’t feel it yet. Try it next time you talk to someone. One more second. Then maybe two.

15. Write Down Every “Should” Thought and Reframe It

I used to have a brain full of “should.” I should be thinner. I should be busier. I should be more fun. But those thoughts didn’t help—they just made me feel bad.

So I started writing them down. Every time I thought “should,” I caught it and changed it. Instead of “I should go to the gym,” I’d write, “I could move my body in a way that feels good.”

It feels gentler, kinder. Try it. Catch the “shoulds” and flip them into freedom.

16. Say What You Actually Think in a Conversation (Gently, but Honestly)

I used to nod along, even when I disagreed. I didn’t want to stir the pot. But I started saying what I really thought, kindly. And it felt good.

You can speak your truth without being mean. It can be soft and still honest.

Try saying, “That’s not how I see it” or “I feel differently.” Your voice matters. It’s okay if someone sees things another way. What matters is that you showed up as you.

17. Do One Thing Each Week That Scares You Socially

Every week, I try something that makes me a little nervous. Not huge things—just small steps. Like talking to someone new. Or sharing a story I usually keep quiet.

You can do this too. Pick one little thing. Lean into the fear, but do it anyway. Every time you try, you grow. You don’t have to be fearless—you just have to be brave for a moment. That’s all it takes.

18. How to Stop Caring What Others Think? Hang Out with People Who Speak Their Minds

When I started spending time with people who say what they mean, it changed me. They weren’t rude. Just real. And being around them made me want to be real too.

Find people like that. The kind who don’t fake it or try to please everyone.

Being around honest folks helps you drop your mask too. It feels good to be with people who make space for your truth. You grow stronger just by being near them.

19. Walk Confidently Even When You Feel Awkward

I used to feel so awkward walking into rooms. Like everyone could see how unsure I was. But one day I decided to walk like I belonged—even if I didn’t feel it yet.

You can do this too. Shoulders back, chin up, steady steps. Pretend you’re confident, even if you’re not.

People believe what you show them. And over time, your body can trick your brain. Act confident, and you start to feel it for real.

20. Learn to Identify When a Thought Is People-Pleasing

Sometimes I catch myself thinking things like, “They’ll be mad if I don’t help,” or “What if they don’t like me?” That’s people-pleasing talking. It sneaks in quietly.

You can learn to spot it. Ask yourself: “Am I doing this for me or to be liked?”

If it’s just to avoid upsetting someone, pause. You don’t have to fix everything. Not all thoughts are true. The more you notice this, the easier it gets to stop people-pleasing.

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21. Don’t Respond to Criticism Unless It’s Constructive and Requested

If you’re wondering how to stop caring what others think, this is an important one.

I used to take every comment to heart. Even stuff I never asked for. But most of it didn’t help—it just made me doubt myself. Now I only listen if I asked for the feedback, or if it’s kind and helpful.

You don’t have to reply to every opinion. Let people talk. You decide what you take in. If someone’s just being mean or bossy, you can walk away. Protect your peace. Not every voice deserves your energy.

22. Embrace Silence in Conversations—Don’t Rush to Fill the Gaps

When things got quiet, I used to panic. I’d say something random just to fill the space. But now, I let the quiet stay. It’s not bad. It’s just… quiet.

You can practice this too. Let a pause be a pause. You don’t have to rush.

Sometimes, silence lets deeper thoughts come up. It’s not awkward—it’s real. Give the moment space. It can be more powerful than words.

23. Reclaim a “Guilty Pleasure” You’ve Been Embarrassed About

I used to hide things I liked. A silly show. A cheesy song. A snack that made me happy. But now? I enjoy them out loud.

You don’t need to feel bad for liking what you like. That joy is yours. Watch that cartoon. Dance to that pop song. Eat that snack with pride.

Let it make you smile, and don’t shrink it down. Fun is fun, and joy is not a thing to be ashamed of.

24. Make Art or Content and Share It without Worrying about Likes

I made something once and posted it without caring who liked it. And guess what? It felt amazing. I didn’t make it to impress anyone. I made it because I wanted to.

You can do this too. Make something—draw, write, record, paint. Then share it just for the fun of it.

Don’t check the numbers. Let it be free. Your worth isn’t tied to clicks or likes. Your voice matters just because it’s yours.

25. Make Peace with Being Misunderstood Sometimes

I used to try so hard to explain myself. I didn’t want anyone to get the wrong idea. But the truth is, not everyone will understand you, and that’s okay.

You don’t need to twist your words or over-talk your feelings. Say your truth simply.

If someone doesn’t get it, let it go. You’re not here to be understood by everyone. You’re here to be real with yourself. Peace comes when you stop chasing perfect clarity.

26. Say “I Don’t Know” When You Don’t Know—No Shame

There were times I felt pressure to have answers. I didn’t want to look dumb, so I’d pretend. But saying “I don’t know” is actually strong. It’s honest. It’s brave.

You don’t need to pretend. If you don’t know something, just say it.

People respect that. It shows you’re not trying to be perfect. And guess what? You can learn. There’s no shame in being human.

27. Answer “What Do I Want?” before Making Any Decision

I used to ask, “What do they want?” before anything. But I forgot to ask the most important thing: “What do I want?” That question changed everything.

Before you say yes or no, pause. Check in with yourself.

What feels right for you? Not what would please others. Not what would look best. Just—what do you want? That’s where the truth is.

28. How to Stop Caring What Others Think? Don’t Apologize Unless It’s Truly Necessary

I used to say “sorry” for everything. Even things that weren’t my fault. It became a habit. But it made me feel small.

Now, I only say sorry when I really need to. Not for existing. Not for speaking up. Not for resting.

You don’t need to shrink every time something’s a little off. Save your apologies for when they matter. Let your space and feelings take up room too.

29. Cut Ties with Chronic Judgers or Energy Vampires

There are people who drain you. People who always judge, always complain, or make you feel less. I used to keep them close out of guilt. But then I let go.

You can too. You don’t have to explain or fight. Just slowly step away.

Your peace matters more than their approval. It’s not mean—it’s self-care. You get to choose who gets your time.

30. Sit Alone at a Restaurant without Looking at Your Phone

I remember the first time I did this. I felt so weird, like everyone was staring. But no one was. I just sat, ate, and noticed the world around me.

Try it. Leave your phone in your pocket. Order something you like.

Look out the window, people-watch, and enjoy your food. You’ll learn to feel okay in your own company. It’s a small thing, but it makes you feel strong inside.

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That’s My Advice on How to Stop Caring What Others Think