Sometimes we stop ourselves from doing something because of what others may think of us if they found out.
Considering what others would say, especially those we trust, can be a great deterrent from doing something we’d later regret, but there’s another question that should be asked: If what I do changes someone’s opinion of the kind of person I am, would they be right in their assessment? Meaning, if I’m afraid that if I do X, others would label me as a jerk, or a cheater, or a cheapskate, would they be right?
If what we’re doing is the right thing to do, then potential misconceptions shouldn’t keep us from doing it. But, if what we’re doing raises legitimate questions about the kind of person we are, better to stop and address the deeper issues that might be meriting these concerns.