We are social creatures wanting acceptance. We want to be liked. While being liked is nice, sometimes we need to accept being disliked. It can be freeing in ways you may not have thought possible. Consider these reasons why it is OK to be disliked:

1.  You Can Stop People Pleasing

Trying to be liked by everyone is exhausting. Inevitably, you will fail because you cannot always please everyone. Accepting that someone dislikes you releases you from the people-pleasing struggle.

2.  You Are Empowered to Say No

How often do you say yes to something you want to say no to? Probably more times than you’d like to admit. Let your yes be yes, and your no be no. Then enjoy the empowered feeling it brings.

3.  You Can Relax More

Wondering if someone likes or dislikes you can leave you in a heightened state of stress. You may struggle with nervousness and anxiety. Once you get over the desire to be liked, you won’t feel pressured to please everyone, and you can finally relax.

4.  You Will Speak Freely

The desire to be liked by others stifles your individuality as you struggle to conform. When you give up the need to be liked by everyone, you will be more likely to share your true thoughts and opinions. You won’t need to worry if someone’s feathers are ruffled.

5.  Honesty Will Be Your Best Policy

Often, the fear of being disliked holds us back from being honest. Think of how much clearer your conscience will be when you can be honest with everyone. The goal isn't to hurt others, but sometimes, honesty is what people need to hear.

6.  You Stand For Something

Being brave enough to stand by your values will often rub someone the wrong way. When you give up your desire to be liked by everyone, you will find it much easier to stand up proudly for the values and causes you believe in. 

7.  It Prepares You For Success

The more successful you become, the more people you will have trying to tear you down. Giving up the need to be liked by everyone will help you deal with any scrutiny your success causes.

8.  You Get Your Time Back

People pleasing generally results in spreading yourself too thin. You give others your time, even when you need it. Risking someone no longer liking you is worth it if they monopolize your time. Other people’s feelings shouldn’t dictate how you spend your time.

9.  Others Can No Longer Steal Your Happiness

Desiring to be liked by others can impact your happiness. Sometimes we get so caught up in making other people happy, we don’t take the time to make sure we are fulfilled.

FAST-ACTION STEPS

1. List out the things you do to please others. Look it over and determine what you can stop doing.

2. Who really matters? Figure out who are the people in your life that truly matter. Don’t worry about the rest liking you.

      3. What do you stand for? What are the core values that you believe in so strongly that you don't care            who it makes mad?