My Soapbox

Why is it that peoples opinions seem to matter so much? Should what other people think make so much impact on how I feel and what I do or think? I say the only people whose opinions really direct what I do or feel is my husband and God - in theory. Now, reality is a totally different story. That is not to say that what my parents or other family members or friends have to say is completely unimportant - It does matter. But I live with and answer to my husband and I (try to anyway - I know I fall short in so many ways) live for and (I must do this) answer to God. My parents opinion does still matter to me now, but I am an adult and have to make my own choices. They molded me and taught me and brought me up the right way. My question is this: why does what everyone else thinks and says effect me so much? I said "IN THEORY" the only opinions that "matter" are that of God and John. "In theory" means it doesn't really work that way. I must not live in Walgreens.

Over the past couple weeks, it has been brought to my attention by various people that other people have been having much to say about al the things that go on within my little four person family unit. And the "funny" thing is, none of it is stuff of consequence. It's all about what we (recently) spent a chunk of money on, and to have or not have/live or not live in a certain house, whether or not I favor my children or "get after" them enough. GOOD GRIEF. Does it really matter? And in response to that rhetorical question, why am I so bothered by what everyone else thinks?

But, something that has come out of everyones constant chatter about my life is that this morning I have thought quite a bit about the importance of keeping my nose in my own business. What if that person heard what I had to say, even if I didn't consider it gossip? Would their feelings be hurt? Perhaps my feelings today are good insentive to remember others' feelings.

So, maybe it does matter what others think. Or at least what they say.