Ever been told you’re too naïve?
Webster’s Dictionary defines the word as “being marked by unaffected simplicity” and “showing lack of informed judgment”.
Having been told for many years that I’m too naïve, I have always blushed in response – even my body betrays me as if I were still the little girl who needs to grow up.
Initially uncomfortable with the accusation, I realized I was not what I was supposed to be in the eyes of another (read adult here). Valiantly, I would rise to my defence and mumble something like, “You do have a point here… I tend to be a Pollyanna sometimes…I know I try to see the good in everything…,” finally petering out. I was no match for a worldly, all-knowing and mature counterpart.
However, if you go back to the definition of naiveté given in the introduction, the word “judgment” looms large. Judgment – whose judgment? Not yours but another’s. When someone uses their own opinions and perspective to call you to task on your behavior, temperament or personality, when you are doing no harm, there is no need to feel insecure. Though you may be diminished in their eyes, you are utterly true and complete in your own.
The challenge here is not to take such remarks personally but repel them with humor and grace: “Shall I take off my rose colored glasses, too?” I particularly like the following quote attributed to everyone from Eleanor Roosevelt to Wayne Dyer, “Your opinion of me is none of my business.”
Whether I am too naïve, too sensitive, too loud, or anything else for that matter.
Read more posts by Kita Szpak. Kita is a blogger for JenningsWire.
