I care too much what other people think. How can I stop? | Ask Philippa

Become more internally focussed and allow yourself to be guided by your feelings, says Philippa Perry. You don’t need to impress anyone

The dilemma I grew up with loving parents and had a happy childhood, but am beginning to realise that a persistently low sense of self-esteem may now be hampering my life.

Growing up, I had a fractious relationship with my older brother, who I think resented me for being the academically gifted child of the family. Constant rejection and ridicule by him left me feeling frustrated at times. In my last few years at school I felt bullied by a group that I tried (and failed) to become a part of. I didn’t even like them. They constantly made fun of me under the guise of “banter”.

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