This is probably one of my favourite debates to have with people, and I’m very excited to share. Before I start, I’m just going to put this out there: I was never a very confident person and it has taken me YEARS to get like this. I’m sure I’m not the only one. I worked hard to get the self-confidence I have in myself today, and there is nothing more annoying than someone trying to take that away from me. I WORKED WAY TOO HARD FOR ALL OF THIS.
Many people use the word “cocky” in different ways, and many of those ways seem to be interchangeable with the word “confidence.” If I think I’m looking good, that, my friends, is not me being cocky. That is confidence. I am not putting anyone else down, and I’m not trying to make me seem superior to anyone. It’s just a little bit of self- love.
Cockiness, however, has a condescending ring to it. It’s thinking that you’re better than someone else or above them in some way. There is a very fine line between the two, but it does exist.
Confidence is not a bad thing, and it should never be thought of as so. I always try to think of myself as a kid (because let’s be real, I still have the personality of one). I would much rather be a kid that’s a little too confident in themselves than to think I can’t love myself, especially in front of other people. Would you really tell your eight-year-old self to stop loving their fly new haircut? I didn’t think so!
Building up your confidence is difficult in itself, especially when people are constantly trying to break it down. My advice to those who experience this is: learn to love yourself first and don’t feel bad doing it.
Confidence is loving yourself, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. This is just another one of society’s weird standards that makes no sense whatsoever, so let’s just ignore it until it goes away.