Writers 
Sometimes, I find myself explaining my decisions to people.
Not necessarily because I need their permission, but because I don't want them to misunderstand me or think badly of me.
I used to do this more often.
I would worry about what people would say about a decision I had made, and sometimes, that concern could even influence the decision itself.
But I've come to realize something: people will talk anyway.
Why Do We Care So Much About People's Opinions?
I think one reason is that we care too much about how other people perceive us.
We want to be understood.
We want people to agree with our choices.
We don't want to be judged or seen as making the wrong decision.
So we find ourselves explaining every little thing we do.
But the truth is, no matter how carefully you live, people will have something to say.
You can make a good decision and someone will disagree.
You can make a difficult decision and someone will misunderstand it.
You can explain yourself perfectly and someone may still choose to see things differently.
And that's okay.
But Does That Mean We Should Ignore Advice?
Absolutely not.
There is a difference between caring too much about people's opinions and being willing to receive wise counsel.
The Bible itself emphasizes the importance of counsel.
Proverbs 11:14 says that there is safety in a multitude of counsellors. Proverbs 15:22 similarly teaches that plans can succeed when there is good advice.
So listening to people isn't a weakness.
In fact, sometimes, refusing to listen can be the bigger mistake.
There are things we simply cannot see because we are too close to a situation. Someone with more experience may notice something we've overlooked.
That's why having trustworthy people who can advise us is valuable.
Advice Is Not the Same as Permission
However, receiving advice doesn't mean handing over responsibility for your decisions.
You can listen to someone's perspective without automatically adopting it.
You can appreciate someone's experience while still considering whether their advice actually applies to your situation.
You can ask for counsel and still think for yourself.
That's where I think self-trust becomes important.
Learn to Trust Yourself Too
Sometimes, we become so focused on getting everyone's approval that we forget to listen to ourselves.
We keep asking:
“What will they think?”
“Will they agree?”
“What if they don't understand?”
But another question deserves to be asked:
“What do I genuinely believe is right for me?”
Trusting yourself doesn't mean assuming you're always right.
It means knowing that you are capable of thinking, learning from your mistakes and making responsible decisions.
You can seek advice without becoming dependent on everyone's approval.
People Don't Have to Understand Every Decision You Make
Not every decision needs a long explanation.
Sometimes, you have thought about something carefully, considered the consequences, sought advice from people you trust, and made your decision.
At that point, you don't have to convince everyone.
Some people may understand later.
Some may never understand.
And that's okay.
Your life doesn't have to make perfect sense to everyone watching it.
I've learned that it's important to listen to wise counsel, consider other perspectives, but trust yourself too.
Because there is a difference between being guided by wisdom and being controlled by people's opinions.
Seek advice. Think deeply. Make your decision. And don't be afraid to trust yourself.