Should you give a cr*p about what people think?

We live in Malta, the island were most of the people love to discuss and comment about other people. It's the way this little island works. I decided a long time ago not to care about what people think. I mean for most of my life I was careful and tiptoed around everyone else's feelings, but after a while of heartbreaks and "friendships" gone bad you realize that unless you stand up for yourself no one will stand up for you.

If you're reading this you're probably thinking that I'm some kind of depressed little girl, but I can assure you I'm not. I guess in life you just have to develop a hard shell, honestly at this point in my life I have my core group of friends and I don't need any new best buddies because you will never know the real people from the fake. That's what I love about my bffs; we have been there for each other since 6th form and with some even from secondary school, the fact that they stuck by me till now means something. Ultimately I don't look bad at anyone that wants to become my friend, not at all, but I'm not willing to change who I am for the sake of people I don't even know.

Ultimately the people that see something in you, they will be there no matter what, if they don't want to.. I guess that's not my problem. I firmly believe that if you love yourself and who you are, you shouldn't change for no one. The people that truly matter will love all your flaws and trust me I have a lot... but who is perfect? you're the only one that can critique yourself in the best way possible.