Shenaniganists do not compare themselves to others nor base their self-worth upon outside influences. They believe their inherent value is based simply upon their existence. While they are not concerned with what people think of them, they do care about the feelings of others. So not worrying about outside opinions should not be misconstrued as a free pass to do whatever one pleases without regard for the effect it has on those around them.

 

For instance, a Shenaniganist who loves the color green with every fiber of her being may decide that every article of clothing in her closet, every pair of shoes she owns and every accessory she wears will be some shade of green. Some may see this as eccentric, question her fashion sense or attempt to convince her to diversify the color palette of her wardrobe. But if wearing green makes her happy, doesn’t create problems on the job (e.g., she works at Target and is supposed to wear red) and she doesn’t interact regularly with a person suffering from chlorophobia then the only opinion about her appearance that matters is her own.

 

On the other hand, one would not appear at the funeral of an elderly, conservative relative wearing a belly shirt, barely-there mini and 8” stilettos, turn to the other gawking, open-mouthed mourners and say, “What?! This is how I dress. I don’t care what you think!”

 

Shenaniganists take into account the effect their words and actions have on those around them and they respect the rights and comfort of others; but, they do not allow others to judge them nor let the opinions (negative or positive) of others influence their self-esteem, self-worth or personal value. Put simply it might sound something like, “You matter to me and your feelings matter to me, but what you think of me doesn’t matter to me.” Or, put a little sassier, it could be, “You might as well keep your opinion of me to yourself since you’re the only one it matters to.”