Member-only story
7 Hard Truths About Why People Think You’re Rebellious
Even When You’re Not
Labels have power. They shape how people perceive us and how we perceive ourselves.
Among these labels, “rebellious” often carries negative connotations—implying defiance, disobedience, or a refusal to conform.
We’ve all experienced situations where our actions or decisions have led others to label us as rebellious.
Maybe you spoke up in a meeting, declined an invitation, or simply chose to go against the grain. Suddenly, you’re seen as defiant, difficult or unwilling to go with the flow, even when you’re just being yourself.
But being called rebellious isn’t always about opposing authority, being difficult, or breaking the rules. Often, it’s about how people interpret your actions.
Here are seven hard truths about why people might say you’re rebellious, even when you’re not.
You Refuse to Be Controlled
Control is a powerful force in many relationships, workplaces, and social settings and because people are naturally selfish, they use control to take advantage of others to benefit themselves.
When you don’t allow people to control or manipulate you as they like, whether they’re authority figures…
