‘I never knew I cared so much about other’s opinions of me.’ Write about a time when you felt like this.
by Hafizah Hashim
1. Paragraph 1
1.1. Begin with an engaging opening, such as a thought-provoking question or a brief anecdote about caring too much about others' opinions.
1.2. Introduce the situation where you came to realize just how much others' opinions affected you.
1.3. State the central idea of the essay: the impact of this realization on your personal growth and self-awareness.
2. Paragraph 2
2.1. Describe the specific situation that triggered your awareness of caring about others' opinions.
2.1.1. Example: a significant social event, an important presentation, or a moment of peer judgment.
2.2. Explain your initial mindset - how you thought you didn't care about others' opinions or didn't realize the extent of your concern.
2.3. Describe the atmosphere and how you felt leading up to this moment.
3. Paragraph 3
3.1. Detail what made you realize that others' opinions mattered more to you than you had previously thought.
3.2. Include examples of reactions, comments, or even non-verbal cues from others that made you self-conscious.
3.3. Explain how these external factors affected your behavior, thoughts, or emotions at the time (e.g., anxiety, self-doubt, or a desire to fit in).
4. Paragraph 4
4.1. Discuss how you responded to this realization.
4.1.1. Did you adapt your behavior to meet others' expectations, or did you challenge yourself to stay authentic?