I’ve always prided myself on being a good vibe-reader. Whenever I meet someone, first-impression stereotypes aside, I can quickly determine whether or not I could trust and be friends with this person. I always look for authenticity in people, and if I don’t find it, there’s almost nothing that can make me change my opinion of them.Â
I believe that this is one of the many perks of being self-aware. Through analyzing body language, tone of voice, and personal instinct, you can have a better understanding of the people around you, how you affect others, and how others affect you.
Stop Ignoring Your Feelings
One of the biggest signs that someone is self-aware is how in-tune they are with their emotions. If I’m in a public place with friends and I suddenly start to feel sad or irritated, I take that as a sign that my social battery has run out and it’s time for me to go home. The most important step, however, comes after, when I have to tell those around me that I need to leave. This can be difficult, especially when met with resistance, but part of being self-aware is knowing how and when to stick up for yourself in these situations.Â
If you’re somewhere you don’t want to be, leave! You don’t have to explain yourself to anyone; if they care about you, then they’ll understand that you have to do what’s best for yourself and your mental health.
Self-Reflection v.s. Over Thinking
If you’re like me, you linger on past interactions for way too long, analyzing what both you and the other person(s) did or said. This is a great tool for someone who wants to become more self-aware, but be careful not to take this too far. Think about an awkward conversation you’ve had recently.Â
What was the mood like when the conversation started? And what was the mood like when it ended? Do you think everything you said was interpreted the way you wanted it to be? Could you change something about how you communicate to be perceived differently? These aren’t questions you should think about too often, but it’s important to understand your own communication style and how it affects those around you.
Take Accountability
We’ve all heard it, but I’ll say it again: No one is perfect! Humans make mistakes every single day, and accepting that is a very important part of self-awareness. That being said, when you do something wrong, it’s best for yourself and the people around you to admit your mistake.Â
Only through self-reflection can you truly grow as a person and learn from your mistakes. No one wants to admit when they’ve done something bad or wrong, even if it was just an accident, but allowing yourself to understand how you messed up and why helps you be a more thoughtful and empathetic person.