Do you feel like an outsider?
If you feel like a square peg in a round hole, these 10 suggestions will not only help others better understand you, but they’ll also help you better understand yourself.
In turn, you’ll be better able to build stronger connections with other people.
1. Look at your communication skills.
Working out the best way to communicate with others is essential to ensuring people understand you.
This is particularly important if you are communicating with people who have a different neurotype to you, for example, if you’re autistic or ADHD and you’re communicating with someone who is neurotypical (or vice versa).
If you know you struggle with verbal communication, tell people. They will (hopefully) be more compassionate and forgiving of any conversational faux pas if they know.
You could try taking a moment to think clearly about what you want to say before you say it. Or jotting down your thoughts so you have clarity on your message.
Similarly, if you know you take things literally or find it hard to follow long-winded stories, explain this so other people can adjust their communication style.
Another point to consider is adapting your communication based on who you’re talking to.
We don’t all understand things the same way or at the same level. Use simple words you know everyone will understand to ensure your message is understood.
Effective communication is not just about expressing yourself. It’s also about listening and understanding others.
When done correctly, communication fosters connection.
You cultivate better understanding and deeper connections by actively working on expressing yourself in different ways, adjusting your approach based on your audience, and being a good listener.
So, explore different ways of maximizing your communication skills. This may also mean finding people who communicate in the same style as you to avoid misunderstandings (more on this later).
This can make a significant difference in helping you feel more understood and building meaningful connections with those around you.
2. Change your mindset.
Changing your mindset is a great way to help you stop feeling as though you’re being misunderstood.
Instead of viewing this experience as negative, consider it an opportunity to gain clarity and build deeper connections.
People may not always comprehend your perspective immediately. But does that mean they don’t want to understand?
Absolutely not.
Maybe they need to hear your message differently.
Use situations like this as opportunities to explain yourself differently. See them as avenues to fostering clearer communication.
Also, change your focus. Stop focusing on what people don’t understand and focus on what they do understand.
We often get caught up in believing that ‘nobody understands me’.
However, if you pay attention, you’ll likely find instances where people do show understanding.
It just might not be in the way you expect or to the degree you’d like.
Acknowledge and appreciate those moments.
Lastly, let go of the victim mentality, where you feel like everything is happening to you.
Recognize that you can influence and shape your experiences. You regain a sense of control by taking responsibility for your actions and reactions.
You have the power and the ability to help people understand you or to find people who do understand you.
It’s all within your control.
Your mindset alters the way you see the world. By changing it, you empower yourself to navigate relationships with a more positive and open perspective, paving the way for greater understanding.
3. Understand yourself.
If you want others to understand you, you must first understand yourself.
Other people can’t possibly understand you if you don’t.
That’s why self-awareness is crucial in helping you overcome the feeling of being misunderstood.
Start by reflecting on yourself—think about your thoughts, feelings, and what truly matters to you.
Ask yourself these questions to truly get to know yourself:
– What do I like?
– What don’t I like?
– What matters to me?
– What am I good at?
– What drives me?
– Why do I do what I do?
Take some time off from the busyness of life to delve deep into these questions. Consider it a pause for self-discovery, away from external influences.
They’ll help you figure out who you are at your core.
Once you’ve done that, fall in love with yourself by acknowledging and embracing your strengths. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Recognize your unique qualities.
Self-love is a foundation for building confidence and resilience.
Lots of people find journaling can be a powerful tool in this journey. Journalling allows you to track your growth, gain insights into your emotions, and clarify your goals.
See your journal as your private space to express yourself openly and honestly. Write down your thoughts, experiences, and aspirations.
Understanding yourself on a deep level involves acknowledging your values, passions, and boundaries.
When you clearly understand who you are, you can communicate your needs more effectively, leading to a greater chance of being understood by others.
This process is not about perfection but about continuous self-discovery and acceptance.
It’s about fostering a stronger sense of self and more meaningful connections with those around you.
4. Understand others.
To receive understanding, give it to others.
Understanding other people is vital to fostering meaningful connections.
So be open-minded and patient and offer the understanding you wish to receive.
Empathy is at the heart of this process.
Put yourself in the shoes of others, even if you have never shared their experience and cannot relate to it. Believe that their experiences are real and valid.
Seek to understand their perspectives and feelings. This creates a foundation for mutual understanding. It helps build reciprocal understanding and nurtures stronger connections.
Give vulnerability a chance.
As scary as that feels, open yourself up to other people. Allow yourself and others to express genuine thoughts and emotions without judgment.
When vulnerability is embraced, it paves the way for more authentic and profound connections.
Understanding others involves recognizing the uniqueness of each person and appreciating the diversity of experiences.
Incorporating empathy, reciprocity, and vulnerability contribute to a more connected and understanding social landscape.
In doing so, you create a space for others to be understood and increase the likelihood of receiving the understanding you desire.
5. Build up your self-esteem.
Self-esteem plays a crucial role in you feeling understood and confident in your interactions with others.
If it’s low, you’re more likely to feel misunderstood. On the other hand, if your self-esteem is high, you’ll be better equipped emotionally and mentally to view misunderstanding positively.
The first step toward building self-esteem is paying attention to your self-talk. Be aware of the language you use when talking to yourself.
Challenge those negative thoughts. Replace self-criticism with positive affirmations that highlight your strengths and achievements.
Address your fears, whether it’s a fear of failure, success, rejection, imposter syndrome, or whatever else.
Fear is a part of life. You’ll never be without it. So, in the words of Susan Jeffers, learn how to, “Feel the fear and do it anyway” through continuous action. Don’t let it keep you frozen in insecurity. Don’t wait for it to go away.
Take small steps to gradually overcome your fears, like initiating conversations or expressing your opinions.
Practice self-compassion by treating yourself with the kindness you’d offer a friend. Acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes, and mistakes do not diminish your value.
Set realistic goals and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Engage in activities that bring you joy and a sense of accomplishment.
Pursue hobbies, set personal goals, and acknowledge your progress.
Enhancing your self-esteem builds a stronger foundation for understanding and expressing yourself authentically.
Building self-esteem is an ongoing process, but with consistent effort and self-compassion, you can create a positive self-image that positively impacts your connections with others.
6. Find your tribe.
If you want to break the cycle of feeling misunderstood, find your tribe.
Look for a community of like-minded people with whom you can share your thoughts openly.
Connecting with people who share similar values and interests, or who communicate in a similar way to you, creates a supportive environment where understanding becomes more likely.
To find like-minded people, explore social groups, clubs, or communities that align with your interests and communication style.
Attend events or gatherings where you can meet individuals who share common passions.
Online platforms and forums dedicated to specific topics can also be valuable in connecting with your tribe.
When you finally find your ideal social group, talk often and openly with them. This is what it takes to make friends as an adult. You have to take time out of your schedule to connect and for regular communication.
Try to express your thoughts, feelings, and experiences within this trusted circle. Be yourself around them. Let them see the true you.
The more you do this, the more likely you will be genuinely understood.
Being part of a tribe offers a space where your thoughts and feelings are acknowledged and accepted.
This shared understanding can lead to a more fulfilling sense of connection and reduce feelings of loneliness in your experiences.
Building and nurturing these connections with like-minded individuals creates a supportive foundation that enhances the likelihood of being truly understood.
7. Embrace your uniqueness.
Accept that people will misunderstand you.
It’s a part of life.
Not everyone will see things from your perspective, and that’s okay.
Embrace your uniqueness by acknowledging that your thoughts, feelings, and experiences are distinct to you. Refrain from constantly seeking validation. Stop looking for things that help you come across as ‘normal’.
You’re not ‘normal’. And that’s ok.
So accept it.
After all, everyone is unique. Just as you have your distinct qualities, so do others.
Engage in social situations that allow you to interact with various people. By exposing yourself to different viewpoints and backgrounds, you broaden your understanding and allow others to appreciate your uniqueness.
Embracing your uniqueness is about letting go of your need for constant approval and understanding.
Focus on celebrating your individuality and recognizing that diversity in thought and experience enriches your life and interactions with others.
By accepting that, you acknowledge that misunderstandings are inevitable, and aren’t something to fear.
8. Reach out.
Don’t wait for people to ask you what’s wrong.
Don’t assume you’re being excluded from things.
Everyone has something they’re battling with. As such, they’re often thinking about themselves and their problems.
If you wait for someone to check in with you, there’s a good chance they won’t notice if or when you’re struggling. They might simply forget.
So reach out.
Ask for help or support when you need it. This is a sign of strength and not weakness.
Think of the different types of support we mentioned earlier and decide which one you need right now: social, emotional, practical, or informational.
Then consider who in your life is best placed to offer this type of support and approach that person.
Most people are happy to help, especially if it’s something they know they are good at.
If it’s your first time doing this, it can feel awkward. So start small.
Be more open with those around you by sharing your thoughts and feelings. Openness creates a space for understanding to flourish.
Practice being vulnerable. Talk about your experiences and challenges.
Sharing your vulnerabilities deepens connections and opens the door for others to reciprocate, fostering a more understanding environment.
Initiate conversations that go beyond the surface. By sharing more about yourself and expressing your thoughts, you create opportunities for deeper relationships.
Reaching out is an active step toward breaking the cycle of feeling misunderstood.
Remember, it’s not a sign of weakness but a powerful act of self-care and a pathway to building stronger connections with those around you.
9. Seek professional help.
Get help for underlying issues that may be contributing to you feeling misunderstood, especially if you’re grappling with a mental health condition like depression.
Therapists can provide valuable insights and strategies to help you address these underlying challenges and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
They are trained to navigate complex emotions. They provide a safe space for open communication without judgment.
Therapy can equip you with tools to manage stress, understand your communication style, and build healthier relationships.
By addressing mental health concerns, therapy becomes a pivotal resource in fostering a deeper understanding of yourself and your interactions with others.
10. Be patient.
Exercise patience with yourself during the process of seeking understanding.
The feeling of being misunderstood is a universal experience. Everyone encounters it at some point.
Be patient with your emotions. Recognize that working through these feelings takes time.
The journey toward being understood is a process. So, give yourself the space to grow and evolve.
Extend patience to others as well. Just as you strive for understanding, recognize that those around you are also on their individual journeys.
People may not always grasp your perspective immediately. Being patient in your communication can lead to a clearer understanding over time.
Patience is not a sign of passive waiting but an active acknowledgment of the time and effort required to foster genuine connections.
By being patient with yourself and the process, you contribute to a more compassionate and understanding environment for yourself and those around you.
Finally…
It’s vital to recognize that everyone is unique, with their own set of thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
The journey toward feeling understood involves navigating through these differences with patience and open-mindedness.
Building a supportive tribe that celebrates your uniqueness can help.
But misunderstandings are bound to happen. They are a natural part of human interaction.
Rather than viewing them as barriers, see them as opportunities for clarification and growth.
By acknowledging the uniqueness of yourself and others and accpeing that misunderstandings are a natural part of the human experience, you pave the way for more fulfilling and empathetic connections in your journey toward feeling truly understood.
