Azerbaijan.US
In Azerbaijan, personal decisions are often made under an invisible but powerful force: public opinion. From career choices to marriage, clothing, or lifestyle, many people weigh not only what they want, but how their actions will be perceived by others.
This dynamic is not unique to Azerbaijan, but it is especially pronounced in societies where community judgment and social reputation carry long-term consequences. People who openly ignore these expectations are frequently described as living a “European-style” life – a phrase that itself reflects how deeply conformity is embedded in everyday thinking.
Psychologist Ayten Alekberova explains that the mindset commonly framed as “What will people say?” is not actually about others at all.
Instead, it reflects how individuals imagine themselves through someone else’s eyes.
“When people constantly think, ‘What will happen if I do this?’ or ‘What will people say about me?’, the brain starts to anticipate judgment even before it exists,” Alekberova notes. “Even when a person knows they are making the right decision, fear of social reaction can override logic.”
According to her, this pressure is not innate. Younger people, particularly in their late teens, tend to act more impulsively and emotionally, without pausing to calculate social consequences. The habit of self-censorship develops later, as individuals internalize expectations imposed by family, community, and broader society.
Over time, this creates a form of psychological self-regulation that Alekberova describes as “cognitive empathy” – the ability to predict how others might interpret one’s behavior.
People tell themselves: “This is not the right time,” or “This won’t be socially acceptable.” While this process can sometimes lead to more rational decision-making, it also risks suppressing ambition, creativity, and personal growth.
Yet, Alekberova emphasizes that social awareness does not always lead to failure. In some cases, individuals who successfully balance cultural expectations with inner confidence manage to turn this sensitivity into an advantage – navigating society strategically rather than fearfully.
The difference, she argues, lies in motivation.
“When decisions are driven by fear of judgment, people limit themselves,” she says. “But when awareness of others is combined with self-confidence and psychological resilience, it can support long-term success rather than block it.”
In a society where reputation still matters deeply, the challenge is not to ignore public opinion entirely – but to ensure it does not replace one’s own sense of direction.
