I laughed and they said "can't you be modest". I cried and they said "why don't u smile "
I smiled and they said "he's a show off".
I frowned and they said "I started showing my true colors"
I was silent and they said I had a feeble tongue.
When I spoke they said I was too talkative.
When I was tolerant they called it cowardice
and said, had I been brave, I would have taken revenge.
When I showed up some courage they said it was rash & reckless, and I wouldn't have behaved if I were balanced.
When I said NO they considered me odd.
When I agreed with them, they called me a blind follower.
So it became certain, that no matter how hard I try, pleasing people will bring nothing but criticism.
So don't care about people. Only try to please Allah!
-imam shaafi