I remember a multi-frame Playboy cartoon by Jules Feiffer from sometime in the 1960’s. The guy in those frames worked himself into an increasing tizzy by imagining all the snobby, sneering, disdainful thoughts everybody he met might be thinking about him - until the last frame.
In the last frame he relaxe, realizing nobody was paying any attention to him at all.
What a comforting realization.
No need to primp, fuss or pretend. Nobody cares about you but yourself. They’re all too busy dreaming their own dreams to spend time wondering what you’re doing, what you’re wearing, or what color your eyes. You are, practically, invisible.
Practical is the key word here.
Time freed from worrying about imagined criticism is time freed to pursue what really interests you. Being unseen is an advantage.
Those seeking fame will disagree.
Those who seek attention should get a cat, or dog - or any animal willing to live with you. These creatures will monitor your every move. Some, like cats, may pretend disinterest. Don’t believe it. Animals are keenly interested in their world. Once your part of their world, you’ll be noticed - whether you want to be noticed, or not
If that seems uncomfortably intense, you can always close the bathroom door.
Out on the street, you can relax. Nobody’s watching and nobody cares - unless you step on their toes. Stepping on toes guarantees attention. And yet, climbing the ladder to fame almost always involves stepping on toes. Better to pay attention to where you’re walking and walk around toes.
People who do good work require no accolades. Fame is beside the point. Good work is its own reward. Good work doesn’t step on anyone’s toes. Often, good work brings fame, but that kind of fame is only a sidebar to the real accomplishment.
Those who try to be cool never will be.
Anything done that’s worth doing doesn’t need to be noticed by anyone. When nobody’s looking, there’s elbow room for creative experiment – sometimes damned as unproductive play.
Huh, what? - It’s a blessing.
Being unnoticed frees the mind.