People who claim that they don't care what others think may still get upset when their opinions are not accepted for several reasons:
Desire for validation: Even if someone claims not to care about others' opinions, they might still desire validation and acceptance. Human beings are social creatures, and seeking approval from others is a natural aspect of our social nature.
Self-identity: People often associate their opinions with their self-identity. When others reject their viewpoints, it can feel like a personal rejection, leading to feelings of hurt or frustration.
Cognitive dissonance: Cognitive dissonance occurs when there is a conflict between our beliefs and external feedback. Even if someone claims not to care about others' opinions, when they receive contrary feedback, it can create a state of discomfort and unease.
Emotional investment: People may invest time and energy into forming their opinions, and rejection can lead to emotional reactions because of this investment.
Social influence: While someone may genuinely believe they don't care about others' opinions, societal norms and expectations can still influence their emotional responses when their viewpoints are challenged or dismissed.
Fear of judgment: Subconsciously, there might be a fear of judgment or criticism from others, leading to emotional reactions when their opinions are not accepted.
Communication of self: When someone expresses their opinion, they are communicating a part of themselves to others. When their opinion is not accepted, it can feel like a failure to communicate effectively or connect with others.
Importance of the issue: The emotional response may vary depending on the significance of the issue. If the topic is highly important to the individual, rejection of their opinion may trigger a stronger reaction.
Emotional vulnerability: At times, people may feel emotionally vulnerable, and rejection of their opinion might touch on deeper insecurities or past experiences.
In summary, claiming not to care what others think doesn't necessarily mean that a person is entirely unaffected by external feedback or reactions. Human emotions and social dynamics are complex, and there can be various underlying factors that influence how individuals respond to the acceptance or rejection of their opinions. It's important to recognize and acknowledge these emotions, as well as the desire for validation, while also striving for a healthy sense of self and self-acceptance.