Feeling ignored or left out by your friends can be a painful experience, and it's completely understandable that it hurts your feelings. It's important to address these feelings and find ways to cope with them. Here are some strategies to help you stop caring about this and build more self-confidence:
Recognize your self-worth: Remember that your value as a person is not dependent on how much attention or conversation you receive from others. You are unique and valuable in your own right, regardless of others' reactions.
Accept that it's okay: It's normal to feel hurt or disappointed when you don't receive the attention you desire, but try to accept that not every social situation will be perfect, and that's okay. Not everyone will connect with you in the same way, and that's a natural part of life.
Focus on your interests: Engage in activities that you genuinely enjoy and are passionate about. When you focus on things you love, you'll be more absorbed in the moment, and the opinions of others may matter less.
Cultivate self-confidence: Building self-confidence takes time, but it's worth the effort. Recognize your strengths and achievements, and work on areas where you feel less confident. As your self-assurance grows, you'll be less affected by external validation.
Quality over quantity: Instead of trying to be the center of attention in a large group, focus on building deeper connections with a few individuals who genuinely appreciate you for who you are.
Communicate your feelings: If you feel comfortable, consider sharing your feelings with your friends. Sometimes, they may not even realize how their actions affect you, and open communication can lead to better understanding.
Expand your social circle: It's essential to have friends who appreciate and value you. Consider joining clubs, organizations, or activities where you can meet new people who share your interests and may appreciate your company more.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques can help you stay present in the moment and be less affected by external judgments. Meditation or mindfulness exercises can be useful in developing this skill.
Seek professional help if needed: If your feelings of being ignored or unimportant persist and significantly impact your well-being, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor. They can help you work through these emotions and develop coping strategies.
Be kind to yourself: Remember that nobody is perfect, and it's okay to have moments of vulnerability. Treat yourself with kindness and compassion, just as you would to a friend going through a tough time.
Ultimately, the goal is to focus on your own growth, happiness, and well-being rather than seeking validation from others. It may take time, but with patience and effort, you can learn to be more at ease in social situations and feel less affected by others' actions or reactions.