Who cares about what others think?

I remember a time in my life where my comfort level as well as overall feeling were affected by other people and their judgement of me. I can’t say that I am 100% over that and tha I absolutely do not care, even to the slightest, about what others think of me – that is the goal. I can, however, certainly say that if now plays a very very minor role in my life, and that I am really grateful for having reached this stage.
I’m not sure if it is because I am traveling and most people won’t ever see me again. I think it’s beyond that now. Surely, it’s easier while traveling, but I think my very essence has changed when it comes to caring about what others will think about me, just how my judgement of people has changed dramatically: I strive not to judge others about their own lives.
I do feel REALLY sorry for people that live their lives based on what others will think or say about them. And I’m not even referring to the significant others, like friends and families. It’s when I see people allowing perfect strangers and their judgement to dictate their actions and choices, that it nearly breaks my heart. Who do we live for? Why should we care? I can understand where it comes from, but now, I AM FREE. I am still respectful of social conventions as well as considerate of others around me, but I most certainly ensure that I am the one that matters the most when making my life choices. No stranger, or even loved one, should have the power of dictating how anyone should live their life. I see a lot of that in India. It’s all about images. It doesn’t matter how one feels, what really matters is that whatever one does maintains an image expected by onlookers. It’s pretty miserable. I see people depriving themselves of fun, of happiness, of relaxation, of honesty and even of humility (amongst much more!) in order to please others. I constantly see people hurting themselves, in a deeper way that they can imagine, in order to please others. And the sad part is that others don’t really care either: They only care up to the point of passing their judgments, and once that happens, it’s gone with the wind. The only thing that remains is the oppression dictating the life of the person living for others.
I’m SO VERY HAPPY I am no longer like this, and hope to remain free for the rest of my life, living life as I see right, as I see fair and in order to be good and wholesome to me and those around me – to to just follow conventions and please others while hurting mself. May all beings be happy!! May all beings develop a certain level of self confidence that will enable them to stand up for their beliefs and make choices in life that will benefit them, rather than scar them for life.