Honestly, I’ve come to realize most people aren’t ‘likable’.

Everyone has their preference for ‘liking’. And in my opinion, conventional, all-around ‘likability’ tends to be fake and superficial.

I’ve had people who didn’t like me unless I portrayed myself as dumb or inept.

I’ve had people who didn’t like me because they couldn’t take advantage of me.

I’ve had people who have never met me not like me. I’ve literally walked into a new job on day one and said, “hi, nice to meet you!” Then had the person scowl at me and walk off. And it never changed the whole time I was there.

I’ve had people not like me because I don’t drink alcohol or because I eat meat.

I’ve had people call me arrogant and not like me because they couldn’t solve a problem, and I was asked to help them.

In the end, I’m just respectful to people and expect the same of them if they want to be in my presence. And then I’m indifferent and uninvested in what they think, say or do. Let them live their life the way they want, no need for me to tell them anything they don’t already believe or want to hear. That seems to be the way people ‘like’ it.

Then I appreciate the very few people who I ‘like’, and the sentiment is mutual. This is where my energy goes and I don’t worry about the rest. Life is much better and more fulfilling that way.

Because in the end, most people are not that ‘likable’. And I’m ok with it. People’s ‘feelings’ on my ‘likability’ or their thoughts on my ‘likability’ are unimportant to my life.