I care too much what people think of me. I have been an approval seeking, insecure, people pleaser most of my life. Fear of abandonment is big with me and always has been. A therapist pointed that out to me around 1988. (I'm 61 now). There are phrases I have heard in group settings, such as "what other people think of me is none of my business." Here's what I have to say about that, if NO ONE thinks well of you, you end up with no friends. Another line I have heard repeatedly over the years: "I was afraid if people got to know me they wouldn't like me." I sure feel that this is true, as a much older person. I mentioned this on another thread, I have found it impossible to make new friends as I have gotten older, also being more depressed than ever in my life.
How I have been dealing with all this for the last few years has been to withdraw and isolate, except for monthly psychiatrist visits where I can say how I really, really feel. I know the isolation and withdrawing isn't good for me and I need to work on it. Now that things are "reopening" post-Covid, and we all don't have to be alone at home for fear of Covid, I hope that at the least I will get out and at least go walk around in the sunshine, where I can see people out and about.