Only a Sith deals in absolutes.
You would think less about what others thought of you if you realised how seldom they do.
You are always being judged by others. You can not not communicate. Attempting not to will itself communicate something, this is inevitable.
Strictly observe the Golden Mean, ie all things in moderation, no extremes. Temperence trumphs total abstinence unless you have an addictive streak.
Never forget the Golden Rule, treat others as you would have them treat you, not how others have treated you.
Try were possible to maintain a "beginners mind", dont begin to imagine you have nothing to learn. Ever.
Introspection, reflection and garnering insights are beneficial, however, dont imagine for a moment that others will do so or have done so.
Be aware of your own filters but know that others will have their own, language itself is
social but it doesnt stop the same word having greatly different meanings to different individuals or groups, be prepared for others to presume much.
Develop some awareness of your internal scripts, develop emotional competence and bounce for those inevitable difficulties you will encounter. Dont let those scripts govern you, dont be a games player, however, be prepared for others to be adept games players and to want to do nothing other than play games all the day through. Unconscious games players and games playing is the bane of all human life, to many people respond to friends, colleagues, managers, subordinates and strangers as though they were parents, siblings or significant others from their past.
See the word for exactly what it is, not what ought, might or should be. Realpolitik thinking is important but difficult to develop without cynicism or paranoia.
Journalling is a good idea, introspection isnt a bad thing. The majority of human suffering probably results from mankinds inability to spend time alone in a quiet room.