Forty-one has been pinpointed by experts as the age at which we stop caring what other people think of us, a survey has revealed.
The research, conducted by Jeep to launch the all-new Renegade, found that 80% believe being ‘different’ is what makes people interesting and that 40% of people describe themselves as ‘unconventional’.
And of those that describe themselves as ‘unconventional’ – a huge 73% claim it’s due to their outlook on life, with 40% attributing it to the way they dress. And 53% put it down to their sense of humor.
Researchers found it’s as we reach our forties that we no longer pretend to care about how others perceive us and start to throw caution to the wind. This is after 56% of Brits spent their twenties and thirties bending over backwards to fit in with friends and work colleagues in a bid to ‘fit in’.
In fact, one in five admitted to dressing a certain way or liking particular music or bands simply because it was the ‘done thing.’ It also emerged almost four in ten claim to not care what other people think of them at all.
Damien Dally, head of brand for Jeep said: “Our research shows that, as a nation, we’re no longer content to just go with the flow – in fact, the opposite. Almost half of those surveyed (49%) claimed not to care about what other people think at all.
“We’ve looked at how attitudes change as we get older and have pinpointed 41 as the age where we stop caring and gain the confidence to stand out from the crowd. Having the gumption to do what you like and follow your instincts comes with experience and self-assurance.
The study, of 2,000 adults, found 21 is the age at which Brits are most likely to worry what others think of them, with 56 per cent admitting they had times where they felt really apprehensive about trying to fit in.
Researchers also found 72 per cent now look back and laugh at the things they used to worry about doing or saying to impress people. And 75 per cent wish they could tell their younger self not to get hung up on what other people think.
Damien added: “What you may have perceived as uncool or out of the ordinary in your teens or early twenties you appreciate for being unique and interesting as you mature.
“Defying convention and being brave is what the Jeep Renegade stands for – and we too believe that different is what makes life interesting.”
SIGNS WE NO LONGER CARE WHAT PEOPLE THINK
1. You only go out on a Friday or Saturday night – never both
2. You go to the cinema on your own
3. You’ll eat a meal in a restaurant on your own
4. You watch the TV shows you like
5. You play music you like in the car
6. You order the food you like
7. You go make-up free
8. You switch to Radio 2 from Radio 1
9. You have embraced your natural hair colour
10. You dance at family parties
