It’s human nature to want to be liked.
I mean, when you think about it, one of the very first things we learn is how to get other people to like us. At an early age, we’re taught table manners and communication skills. We’re taught to say “please” and “thank you” and to be nice to every person we meet. Because, in the ideal world, doing these things would make each and every encounter you have go smoothly. And ultimately, these behaviors would make everybody like you.
However, as I’m sure we all know, we don’t live in an ideal world. And, sometimes, even when you follow these behavior expectations, people don’t like you. They don’t have a clear explanation or a specific reason why. They just simply don’t like you.
In my opinion, the not knowing is the worst thing about these situations. Because, intellectually, we know it’s not our fault that these people don’t like us, and that there’s nothing we could ever do to control it. However, we can’t help but wonder what exactly it is about ourselves that makes us unlikable to them. Is it something we said or did? Is it how we dress or what we like? Is it that nervous habit we have, or that insecurity that keeps nagging at us? It’s so easy to found out that someone doesn’t care for you and then suddenly start to second-guess everything. And as the insecurity and self-doubt continue to escalate, you almost start to wonder if maybe them not liking you is in fact a fault of your own.
One thing I’ve come to realize about these situations is that, despite what insecurities may try and tell you, you are not the opinion of someone else. Your self-worth is not defined by someone else’s perception of you; it is defined by the way you perceive yourself.
Just because someone thinks something doesn’t make it true. If a person came up to you and told you they thought the sky was green or hot coffee was better than iced coffee (both of which are false), you wouldn’t take them for their word. So, why would you presume someone’s negative perception of you is the truth?
The fact of the matter is, not everyone you meet is going to like you…and that’s perfectly okay. The thing to keep in mind is that someone else’s negativity doesn’t need to impact your life whatsoever. Your worth is determined by no one but yourself. Another person doesn’t get to make that decision for you.
How do you feel about people not liking you?
Currently, Lately 
The best thing about growing old is you really dont care anymore. I will be 71 tomorrow and have come to terms with other people. I know my worth and what I have done in this lifetime and no longer have to please anyone.
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I feel like the older you get, the less you care what others think. I read a quote once that read ‘Don’t walk in to a room full of people and wonder if they like you, look around and wonder if you like them’. I think it’s a great trait to be able to brush off negativity and not let it affect your confidence.
https://my20staughtme.wordpress.com/
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That’s such a great quote! And I totally agree!
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I think that not liking yourself is a lot worse. You have to love yourself and try to ignore those who don’t.💖 —https://emilyryannblogblog.wordpress.com/2018/02/18/wedding-venue-tips-what-i-am-doing/
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I agree! And I think having other people not like you can sometimes amplify it
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Love the positive vibes! This post is spot on ✨
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Thank you so much 🙂
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Personally I used to get really sad about people not liking me. I wanted everyone to like me. But then I realized if I liked myself, that was all that mattered. Thank you for this super relatable and honest post!! Like yourself! That’s all you need! 😊
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I get the same way! It can be so frustrating, especially when people don’t seem to have a clear reason why they dislike you! And you’re welcome! Thank you for reading 🙂
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Hello, today I nominated you for the Sunshine Blogger Award: https://ingridmadisonave.com/2018/02/19/liebster-award-4/
No pressure to participate. I just wanted to give you some well-deserved recognition for your lovely blog.
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I have been struggled with this perception for a long time. Growing old and feeling secured in my skin seem to be only solution right now. Thank you for this positive post. 🙂
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I’ve always been the same way! It can be really difficult to overcome! And you’re welcome! Thanks for reading 🙂
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I’ve always been one of those people who is totally OKAY if someone doesn’t like me! so true that someone else’s negativity doesn’t have to become your own negativity 🙂
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I definitely agree with this! 🙂 If you only focus on what other people think of you, you’ll likely drive yourself mad. There’s only one YOU in the world! Embrace it!
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I had to learn allllll of this & before i learned i was mentally exhausted from trying to please everyone .
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So true. I used to ruminate over if people liked me constantly. I couldn’t handle someone not liking me. Now that I’ve gotten a bit older (granted, I’m still young) I don’t care as much, because I like myself and that’s what matters. But it took me a long time to get to that point. This is the sort of post I wish I could make my 15 year old self read haha. Very well written!
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