(Letter to the Editor - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Do you ever wonder or worry what other people think about you? I can answer yes and no to that. Maybe you can, too. I invited 9 ladies to have lunch with me recently. I did care what they thought because obviously I wanted them to enjoy the food. I’ve talked a lot about decorating for the seasons. When my guests walk in I want them to imagine they are in a magical place where they can feel like princesses getting the royal treatment. Maybe I even more wanted each one of them to leave feeling good about themselves and good about the connection they had made with friends and potential new friends. So yes, I do care what people think, not of me so much, it’s more I care what they think of what I do. I want them to know, without a doubt, that I care about every single one of them. I only have space for 10 of us at a time, but that helps give everyone a chance to share.

While shopping in the grocery section at Walmart yesterday I saw a family with three well-behaved children. As they passed by me the youngest pointed at me. With a serious look on her face she said something to her parents. One of them softly asked the little girl to repeat what she had said which caused me to listen. Their three-year-old daughter pointed at me again, looked right at my old face and said, “I want to go with her.” I should have asked permission to hug her but I was so surprised by her request I only asked her age and commented I either looked like a friendly grandma or more likely it was the birthday presents in my buggy for my grandchildren she was interested in. We went on our separate ways. They probably had no idea how their daughter had made me feel. Again I think if I had not looked like someone who cared about others no amount of toys would inspire a child to request to go with a strange old woman like me. So yes, I care what people think when it comes to whether they feel I am someone they can trust and who will care about them.

I may laugh too loud. I may cry too much because I cry for other peoples’ lives and souls. Sometimes I’m filled with so much happiness it even spills out onto my cheeks. Those are times when I don’t care what people think. I still try to be a good example for others. I try to help when I can. You’ve heard the expression you can’t please all the people all of the time. That’s true. Yet, if what matters is what’s inside each of us, why worry about, “What other people think.” Do you love yourself? Do you do the best you can? Maybe you are working on it. I am. Really we are works in progress all of our lives.

So to answer the question, “Do I care what other people think of me?” Yes, if what they think helps them or enriches their lives. There was a time in my life when I became ill worrying about what other people thought. Please don’t let that happen to you. Be yourself and do your best not to worry. I have to admit, I hope you enjoy what I write. If I can touch at least one life in a positive way with something I have to say, I have done what I was meant to do. At the end I’m certain it won’t be what “people” think that counts anyway. Thanks for taking time to read my letter.

Bonita (Bonnie) Eaton

Vienna