So long as you've got your friends about you, and a good positive

Host: The room was calm, the evening settling into its quiet rhythm. Jack sat at the table, his cup of tea gently steaming in front of him, his fingers lightly tapping on the surface. Jeeny stood by the window, gazing out at the street, clearly absorbed in thought. The words of Gail Porter had just been shared, and they seemed to spark a reflection on confidence, self-worth, and the value of surrounding ourselves with the right people.

Jeeny: “I’ve been thinking about what Gail Porter said: ‘So long as you've got your friends about you, and a good positive attitude, you don't really have to care what everyone else thinks.’ It’s such a simple, but powerful idea, isn’t it? The notion that true confidence comes not from external validation but from within—knowing you have the support of your friends and a strong positive attitude.”

Jack: “Yes, it’s almost like she’s saying that self-worth isn’t dependent on other people’s opinions. When you have a solid foundation of support from the people who truly care about you, and you carry a positive mindset, the judgments or thoughts of others don’t really matter. Confidence comes from your inner circle, from your own belief in yourself, not from how others perceive you.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. Porter is saying that external opinions are just that—external. They’re out of our control. What really matters is the connection we have with those who support us, and how we choose to view ourselves. With a positive attitude and the right people around us, we have the strength to ignore the noise and focus on what really matters to us.”

Host: The stillness in the room deepened, as if the weight of their words had settled into something more profound. Jack’s gaze shifted from Jeeny to the window, contemplating how often we seek validation from others, forgetting that true confidence comes from the inside out. Jeeny’s gaze softened, a quiet realization forming between them.

Jack: “It makes me think about how easy it is to get caught up in what others think. We live in a world where we’re constantly being judged, whether by strangers, colleagues, or even friends. It’s easy to let those opinions shape how we see ourselves. But Porter is suggesting that real strength comes from having a strong sense of self and the right people around you.”

Jeeny: “Yes, and I think there’s something really freeing in that. When we stop caring about what everyone else thinks, we allow ourselves to live authentically. It’s not about being dismissive of others, but about understanding that their opinions are not what defines us. Our self-worth should come from within, not from the approval of others.”

Jack: “Exactly. When you have that inner foundation—your friends, your attitude, and your self-belief—you’re able to navigate the world with a sense of peace. You can take risks, be vulnerable, and follow your own path without the fear of judgment holding you back.”

Jeeny: “Yes, and maybe that’s why friends and a positive attitude are so important. They become anchors in a world that’s always changing. They remind us that we are enough, just as we are. We don’t need to seek approval from every corner of the world, because we have everything we need to feel secure within ourselves.”

Host: The room had grown even quieter, the conversation sinking into a calm understanding. The idea that true confidence doesn’t come from seeking the approval of others, but from within—through the support of friends and a positive mindset—had taken root. Jack sat back, his fingers gently resting on the table, while Jeeny’s gaze moved from the window back to him, both of them understanding that self-worth is shaped by the relationships we nurture and the way we choose to see ourselves.

Jack: “So, in a way, Porter is telling us that confidence is a choice. It’s about surrounding ourselves with the right people and carrying the belief that we don’t need to constantly seek approval. When we stop worrying about others’ opinions, we create space for true fulfillment and authenticity.”

Jeeny: “Yes, and it’s empowering, isn’t it? The idea that we own our confidence. When we have the right support and the right mindset, we can move through the world with the strength to focus on what really matters—living our lives true to ourselves.”

Host: The room had grown even stiller, the weight of their words lingering. The realization that true confidence comes from within—through the support of others and a positive attitude—had settled into a quiet understanding. The world outside had darkened, but inside, there was a sense of clarity and calm—a reminder that the power to be confident, authentic, and free lies in how we see ourselves and the relationships we build.