How to stop caring so much if people like you

I used to be—and still have to work at this every day—a perfectionist, codependent people pleaser who wanted everyone to like me.

I realized I was giving pieces of myself to everyone else, and at the end of the day I was burnt out with nothing left for me.

I’ve had to work really hard to set boundaries. Learning to say “no” to people and things that don’t align with my values or goals hasn’t come naturally. And with my own physical challenges, I’ve had to learn to actually listen to my body instead of pushing through for everyone else.

Not everyone in my life respected that at first. That part was hard—and honestly, a little deflating. But I learned that I can be both assertive and kind when I communicate my needs.

That was uncomfortable for me because I’ve always been more passive, and I hated the idea of disappointing people.

I’ve always been an empath. I genuinely want to help and show up for others. But I’ve also had to accept that not everyone will handle that with care—some people will take advantage of it.

After reading Untamed by Glennon Doyle, something really clicked for me:

it’s okay to disappoint others before I disappoint myself.

I’ve had to trust that the people who truly accept me will respect my boundaries—and that I can stand in my values without losing myself in the process.

You don’t need everyone to like you-you need to like who you are.