To add more to the conversation, I think confidence also ties to legitimizing our emotions. Oftentimes I find myself reacting to situations and then being called ‘oversensitive’ or ‘crazy’ for feeling this way. Then, I find myself bending over backwards because I started to value other people’s ‘outlook’ more than my own. I feel like there is some sort of cultural influence to this because I am often told that I am ‘too young’ or I am ignored for a louder, more opinionated, egotistical male. But, I digress.

I’ve heard that in order to be confident, we also need to be competent. But in my opinion, we should still demand that respect even when we are never fully competent. I should never expect respect from other people based on how delicately I speak to them (even though it would be nice). As you might notice, I don’t really have a good grasp of grammar, and being young and being female is something that I cannot change. I also know that I can never change other people’s reaction to me, however, I admit that I still struggle with legitimizing my emotions when they first form. Maybe this has something to do with gaslighting, I’m not too sure. I just wanted to comment as a reflection here. :) I hope everyone is doing well.