Allodoxaphobia – a fear of other people’s opinions – is worthless, according to me. This is a fear that makes people become “politically correct” just to please everyone else. Also, these people are scared to be truthful just because they are afraid of becoming unpopular.
The great Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu, wrote, “Care about people’s approval and you will become their prisoner.” He intended these words to provide a warning, but also tried to bring out an opportunity for each of us to think about!
Seeking the approval of others is actually a “confinement” that is built, maintained, and guarded by each individual. It can either make the individual remain a prisoner (to others), or break open the prison door and gain freedom (from opinions of others). The lesson I am trying to convey is this: each of us holds the key to our own freedom! So, why not stop trying to be fearful of other people’s opinions!
The goal is to focus on helping others (as often as possible) but not on their opinion of you. Helping others can be done in various ways, some of which can include spending time with them, making telephone calls, writing letters of encouragement and, if money is available, helping the less fortunate.
The picture below, taken from https://www.ba-bamail.com/tips-life-hacks-and-diy/40-phobias-you-probably-havent-heard-of/, is a humorous way to show how Allodoxaphobia can start among two people.
