I can't stand it. I'm always worried what people think about me or say behind my back. I'm not paranoid, but my family is coming out this Christmas and I am so worried that they will talk sh*t about me when they leave, so I try to act perfect when they are here and I always have a bad time. Help me out.
like when you start thinking about what others think, just stop and dont focus on it, or dont focus on it so much
it might be hard at first, but you will also need some humility to not be able to care... hope I help
To all the paranoid people out there...You paranoia will never help anyone...If you think about it for a while, you can truly accept it and move on away from paranoia. I used to have paranoia but now i dont...this is off topic isnt it?
Lets assume your worry stems from your family having bad mouthed you on a frequent basis, so you have been hurt, and have real trust issues, and believe you have to be perfect. You can't possibly look forward to a toxic and stressful visit like that.
Here's a crazy idea. Take control. Take all the control. It is your home and event - don't be rude - but just try to please yourself. And, beyond just hosting, take no responsibility for them to enjoy themselves.
What would be fun for you? No visit? Then cancel it. Or if you are holding it what type of event do you want - what would please you and you alone. Beans and toast or order in for Christmas dinner? Great. Be selfish.
And if they don't like that you have done exactly as you pleased for yourself - then screw 'em - because they would be unhappy anyways - because unless you behaved horribly, which is unlikely THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE TO ENJOY THEMSELVES. And if they don't - to bad - at least you will have enjoyed it.
OK - maybe this is far fetched - but I am trying to say instead of trying to be perfect, just relax & be yourself.
The fact is they would dump on you either way, if that is what they are into. So you may as well not get stressed trying to be perfect and the pleaser.
In the end - I wouldn't even have them in my house - family or not - if they were such toxic ingrates.
Only if you get rid of the fear of unacceptance, you will be able to let your personality come up on the surface.
But remember what buda or somebody holy said:Best path is always in the middle.
Balanced personality. Heh. Noody can do that.
Be just normal.