Some people's overwhelming need to be liked is the very thing that makes them hard to like. In fact, for many people, the need to be liked is actually a significant barrier to personal and professional growth.

Not everyone is going to like you, and that's OK.

While it's normal to want to be needed, liked, loved and important to others, it's also crucial to get clear about who you are and what you stand for, and to live a life consistent with those values.

When it comes to this issue, you might want to ask yourself:

Do I speak the truth (while still exercising care, wisdom and understanding) even if it's not popular to do so?

Do I live a life which is consistent with my core values?

Do I operate with integrity?

Do I believe that my motives are good?

Is it my goal to be a positive influence in the lives of others?

Am I happy to disagree with people I like?

Do I (really) like me?

If you answered no more often than yes, you may want to make a few changes. If you really want to be liked, then stop trying to be liked and start being you."

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I found this article linked in my daily Mercola newsletter.  Haha!  It reminded me of several people i know, including myself, but I have to say that i'm doing much better on this subject now that i'm "old." 

After many years of being afraid of "rocking the boat" i've come to a place where i have peace.  Seriously, it's not about whether i like myself of not, it's a matter of priority and practicality. 

I'm scum and i know it and that's what keeps me close to Jesus, but at the same time, that which draws me close to him also keeps me wanting to focus on faith, virtue, and truth, all being priority. 

There is an endless supply of things to argue about in life from issues of politics, the sanctity of life, and the meaning of the universe to who looks "hottest" in a bikini, which is better McDonald's or Burger King, or who spit on who first in the back seat of the car.  One really has to get a grip on what is really worth fighting for or, as i like to put it, pick your battles wisely.  That's practicality.

So, really, does it matter if i am liked or not?  Will the world suddenly stop turning if i am not liked?  Will i end needless suffering if i am?  HA!  Nice thought, eh?  The only thing that i take into this consideration is that i am setting the example for my faith and standard, by which i will ultimately be judged by my creator anyway. 

So, forgive me in advance if i take a turn and make a mistake that offends, know that i am not on this earth to please others, but am doing my best to live my life the way that i know will please my creator and, since i am scum, i am likely to make mistakes.  If i attract by my show of the love and care for others (as my creator has for me), or by my attention to truth and freedom, then know that it comes as only a serendipitous kind of thing.  I don't look for it, didn't ask for it, it just happens.  It's like finding a $20 bill in the pocket of your favorite jeans.  You don't know how it got there, you aren't going to question it, you just appreciate it!