Why do people think I care?

So, my wife asked me the other day if I care what other people think about me. Or for that matter, if I worry about how I'm viewed in relation to other people.

My answer was yes and no. In a way, I don't really care what people think of me. I've made it this far by being who I am. I try not to constrain myself to the way I think other people should view me. I know the person I am, I know the things I like, and I know the type of people I would prefer to befriend. If you don't have a history with me, whether or not you hate me or like me, I don't put to much stock in that. I've been through all kinds of stress (multiple gunshot victims, motor vehicle accidents, familial strife, etc) and belive me, people's opinion of me doesn't stress me out too much anymore.

But in the other sense, I do care what other people think of me. I do not want to hurt other people's feelings if they haven't done anything to deserve it. I do not want to be cheap and selfish especially when other people have been generous to me. I give most everyone the benefit of the doubt on the first go round. I do need my friends and loved ones to let me know when I step out of line or when I became impolite, rude, or downright mean to undeserving people.

In the end, I don't feel accountable to anyone except my wife, my close friends, and my family. Beyond that, nobody has to like me.

There goes my political ambitions.