> This fundamental assumption, I imagine, makes it unpleasant to interact with people. Suspicion about the intentions of another person makes it difficult to co

> This fundamental assumption, I imagine, makes it unpleasant to interact with people. Suspicion about the intentions of another person makes it difficult to cooperate and develop good rapport. Do you know what's the alternative ? Constantly worrying how others perceive you. It's a simple observation that people are much more interested in themselves than you, and they don't care what you do unless it affects them. Many human interaction guides suggest that to be perceived as an interesting person, good friend, even charismatic you should listen to people as they speak and ask thoughtful questions. I used to live like that - keep my cards very close to my chest. Among other things, constant worry nuked my sense of humor. Stopping caring (to a point) is a way to focus on things other than what others might or might not think about you. "If you want to be someone - be yourself" - an interesting graffiti near the place where I live. I know a girl so self-conscious she changed her singature to look better. I've gone wayyy overboard with poker face.