It would be naïve to think that every single one of us hasn't endured feelings of loneliness, insecurity, self-doubt and suffered a mild identity crisis in our formative pubescent years.
From feeling uncomfortable as to how to act when meeting new people and starting romantic relationships, to finding like-minded friends who appreciate you for who you are, not who you wear, each and every one of us has trudged through the tumultuous teenage years to come out the other side as self-assured and pretty content individuals. At least, that's the goal, right?
However, if there's one piece of wisdom singer/songwriter St Vincent would like to impart on younger generations who face similar upheavals throughout their youth, it's to understand that they shouldn't give a damn what other people think.
In a new podcast interview with Rookie Mag editor, Tavi Gevinson, St Vincent – real name Annie Clark – took part in a Q&A section called 'Ask a Grown Man/Woman', in which she opened up about being 'very, very, very shy and very anxious'.
During the podcast, the musician opened up about feeling 'uncomfortable talking to people' as a teenager, and 'would have to make sure I knew where all the exits were if I was in any kind of public space'.
Clark also explained the feeling of relief when her uncle once told her that 'no one's looking at you and no one cares because everyone is obsessed with themselves. So that's one thing, and know that other people are feeling the same way as you'.
The musician, who has previously dated Cara Delevingne and Kristen Stewart, also stated that her mantra is 'fake it till you make it', and advised listeners that 'if you don't have confidence, pretend to be a person who does, and eventually, you will have confidence because you'll see the fruits of your reaching out to people'.
Go forth and be confident, ladies (and gents).
Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.
