People who have fully accepted themselves tend to do these 7 things that make others uncomfortable

There’s a distinct line between those who are still wrestling with self-acceptance and those who have fully embraced themselves, quirks and all.

That difference? It often lies in certain behaviours that make others squirm.

People who have fully accepted themselves tend to do things that unsettle others, not out of malice, but simply because they’re unapologetically authentic.

And let me tell you something: being authentic can often rub people the wrong way.

But, is that a bad thing? Not necessarily.

So, what are these discomfort-inducing behaviours? Buckle up and read on.

1) Unapologetic authenticity

People who have fully accepted themselves wear authenticity like a second skin.

They are unapologetically themselves, regardless of the situation or company.

This can be disconcerting for those around them.

In a world where many of us wear masks and play roles to fit in, meeting someone who shows up as their true self, with no pretences, can be unsettling.

Why? Because it challenges the status quo. It forces others to confront the fact that they might be hiding behind a facade.

It raises uncomfortable questions about why we feel the need to conform and suppress our true selves.

However, those who have fully embraced their authentic selves aren’t doing it to make others uncomfortable intentionally. It’s simply a by-product of being true to who they are.

While it might be challenging for others, this authenticity is liberating for the individual.

They don’t have to expend energy on maintaining a facade or worrying about others’ perceptions.

While it might make others uneasy, unapologetic authenticity is a sign of self-acceptance and personal freedom.

And that’s something to be admired, not feared.

2) They say no without guilt

This one hits close to home. I remember a time when I struggled with setting boundaries and saying no. I was a chronic people-pleaser.

But then, I met Mark.

Mark was someone who had fully accepted himself.

He didn’t struggle with the guilt that often comes with saying no. He knew his worth, his limits, and was not afraid to express them.

I recall once when we were planning a group trip and Mark was the only one who declined.

He simply said, “I appreciate the invite, but I need some time for myself this weekend.”

There was no elaborate excuse, no guilt-ridden apology—just a simple and firm no.

Many of us were shocked. Some felt uncomfortable, even slightly offended. But Mark remained unbothered.

That incident was a lightbulb moment for me. It taught me that it’s okay to prioritize myself. It’s okay to say no.

Those who have fully accepted themselves understand this well. They know that saying no is not an act of selfishness but an act of self-care.

Yes, it might make others uncomfortable, but it’s a crucial aspect of safeguarding your mental health and personal space.

And if being genuine about your needs makes others uneasy, maybe it’s time for them to reflect on their expectations.

3) They embrace solitude

While many people equate being alone with loneliness, those who have fully accepted themselves see it differently. They cherish solitude.

In our hyper-connected world, this can make others uncomfortable.

We’re conditioned to believe that constant social interaction is healthy and normal.

Highly intelligent individuals are more likely to enjoy solitude than their less intelligent peers.

They find satisfaction in their own thoughts and are comfortable being alone with them.

People who have accepted themselves aren’t afraid of solitude. They use it as a time for reflection, introspection, and personal growth.

It might make others uneasy, but for them, it’s a path to deeper self-understanding and inner peace.

4) They express emotions freely

Many of us were raised in societies where expressing emotions, particularly the uncomfortable ones like anger or sadness, is seen as a sign of weakness.

But people who have fully accepted themselves break this mold.

They know that expressing emotions is not a sign of weakness but a sign of being human.

They allow themselves to feel and express a range of emotions without shame or guilt.

This can make others uncomfortable.

Seeing someone openly express sadness or anger can be unsettling, especially for those who are used to suppressing these feelings.

But those who have accepted themselves understand that their emotions are valid and important.

They don’t bottle up their feelings, and they don’t apologize for having them.

So yes, they might make others uncomfortable by showing their emotions.

But they’re also showing that it’s okay to be human, to feel, and to express those feelings.

5) They challenge societal norms

I’ve always been someone who questioned the status quo.

Yet, for a long time, I kept those questions and doubts to myself for fear of making others uncomfortable.

But when I embraced my true self, things changed.

I started challenging societal norms that didn’t align with my values.

This isn’t always easy. It can be unsettling for others who are used to following societal rules without question.

It can lead to disagreement, tension, or even ostracism.

However, those who have accepted themselves aren’t deterred by this discomfort.

They value their beliefs and principles more than fitting into societal molds.

They ask the hard questions. They challenge the norms.

And yes, this can make others uncomfortable. But it can also spark important conversations and potentially pave the way for positive change.

6) They don’t seek approval

We live in a society that thrives on validation and approval.

Social media likes, comments, and shares have become a measure of worth for many. But not for those who have fully accepted themselves.

These individuals don’t hinge their self-worth on external validation.

They know their value doesn’t depend on how many likes their latest post got or whether their choices meet societal approval.

This can make others uncomfortable. It challenges the typical narrative of seeking constant validation and approval from others.

But these individuals are comfortable in their own skin.

They know they are enough just as they are, without needing to prove anything to anyone.

While it may make others uncomfortable, not seeking approval is a hallmark of self-acceptance and self-worth.

It’s about knowing your value irrespective of external validation.

7) They prioritize self-care

People who have fully accepted themselves understand the importance of self-care.

They know that taking care of their physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

This can make others uncomfortable. Many of us are conditioned to put others’ needs before our own, to the point of neglecting our own wellbeing.

But those who have embraced themselves flip the script.

They prioritize their needs and wellbeing without guilt or apology.

This isn’t about being self-centered or uncaring.

It’s about understanding that you can’t pour from an empty cup. You need to take care of yourself before you can effectively care for others.

Prioritizing self-care might make others uncomfortable. But it’s a crucial aspect of self-acceptance and personal well-being.

And that’s something each one of us should strive for.

Final thought: Embrace discomfort

The journey to self-acceptance is a deeply personal one, marked by introspection, growth, and yes, a fair share of discomfort.

Those who have fully accepted themselves have learned to embrace this discomfort.

They recognize it as an essential part of their growth process—a sign that they’re challenging norms, breaking barriers, and staying true to themselves.

These individuals aren’t setting out to make others uncomfortable.

But their unapologetic authenticity, their ability to say no without guilt, their comfort in solitude, their freedom in expressing emotions, their courage to challenge societal norms, their disregard for external approval, and their prioritization of self-care might just do that.

And maybe that’s precisely what we need—a little discomfort to spark reflection and perhaps even inspire change.

Next time you encounter someone who makes you uncomfortable by simply being themselves, take a minute to reflect.

Are they making you uncomfortable by challenging your norms? Or are they showing you a glimpse of what it looks like to fully accept oneself?

Discomfort isn’t always a bad thing.

Sometimes, it’s just the nudge we need to step out of our comfort zones and embark on our own journey towards self-acceptance.