Humans are social animals by nature, the importance of forming good-stable relationships cannot be emphasized enough. However, the time spent in forming a relationship with others isn’t always worth it. There seems to be a strong stigma associated with loneliness, in fact, many people will admit being depressed before they talk about their loneliness. Fear of being judged, not liked or being socially weird plays a great role. Instead, people spend more time being busy with someone else business at the expense of their own.
If you notice that forming social connections with other people seems to drain your internal energy, maybe it’s better to stop and think again. Forming relationships with others is not worth it if it messes up your good vibe. These are some of the cases when it’s important to revisit your priorities.
1. You can’t say no.
What’s going on: There are more of someone else’s tasks on your to-do list than your own. Helping, consulting, buying, looking after, lending — every little thing wastes your precious time. If you’re asked what all these people have ever done for you, you’ll probably grow old thinking of an answer.
What to do: Make your own tasks your number one priority. If someone tries to prove that you’re a selfish and ungrateful person, it’s more likely manipulation of your emotions. Before blindly extending a helping hand to someone, ask yourself if this person, in fact, profits from being saved all the time.
2. You’re looking for approval.
What’s going on: You don’t feel confident and constantly try to get approval from people whose opinion is important to you. You do something in order to be praised or complimented by your boss, colleagues, friends, and relatives. If you get approval, you feel that you did something “good.” If you didn’t receive the desired feedback, you feel as if you did something unimportant or “bad.”
What to do: You have to decide that you’re good and that you don’t have to prove it. Instead of looking for approval, strive to achieve your goals. Develop and progress in your profession, take care of your health, love, and be loved. Confidence will become your faithful companion, and your need for approval will disappear.
3. You smooth things over.
What’s going on: You don’t argue, complain, struggle, or stand up for your rights. It’s easier to accept, be patient and quiet, and be a good guy so as not to provoke a conflict. However, it’s an illusion: if you don’t assert your opinion, nobody will ever know that you have one.
What to do: Let yourself have an opinion. You don’t have to look for support from those who sound louder and more confident than you. When you express your opinion openly, you show your individuality. Deserved respect is more important than a one-time smile.
4. You blame yourself for other people’s emotions.
What’s going on: You often apologize if you can’t fulfil someone’s request or didn’t guess someone’s thoughts, expectations, or feelings. Anger, offence, sadness, dissatisfaction — any negative emotions of other people frighten you and make you feel guilty.
What to do: Put down the boulder you are trying to carry — the responsibility for someone else’s feelings, problems, and expectations. When you feel strangled by guilt, think about this: what did that person do in order to resolve their problem? Why do they have time for whining and suffering if the problem is not resolved yet?
5. You don’t set boundaries.
What’s going on: You’re always ready to do everything for everyone. If someone has an urgent problem, you’ll give up all your tasks, drive halfway across town, and resolve their trouble for free. You can always shift your business, but you can’t refuse to help someone else.
What to do: Think of what is your norm, and tell it to those around you. Are you going away for a weekend? Tell them you can work on the project until Friday. You shouldn’t make excuses. You must be your own priority once and for all.
6. You do things you don’t like.
What’s going on: You’re stuck in someone else’s requests — your parents, relatives, friends, acquaintances. You rarely decline a request, so your time is separated into many tiny pieces, and none of them is yours.
What to do: Separate your personal space into time for rest, work, housework, walking, happiness, or travelling. Choose one day when you do only what you want to. Set your priorities, and think well every time before taking on someone else’s job.
