Over the years, I am learning that it's just not worth it to try to be friends with everybody. I used to want everybody to like me. I would work really hard to make that happen.
Thankfully, working the steps has shown me a lot about my own character. I have looked at my attributes and my defects. I am still doing that.
I have a lot more compassion for myself and for other people today. I am much less of a people pleaser than I used to be, and I am a lot more content in my own skin.
I try to respond with compassion regardless. I do believe that only kindness matters and I can't know what another person is living through or dealing with or how much pain they are in.
At the same time, I can't explain myself enough to make someone like me or trust me if they don't. I am working on accepting that fact. Thanks RE.