I'm a people pleaser. Always have been. And I think my family and friends would say I get along with most everyone. I try to be respectful of other people's opinions and views, even when they're the polar opposite of my own. You say to-ma-to, I say to-mah-to. You say po-ta-to, I say po-tah-to. Diversity among us is what makes this world so interesting!
But there comes a time when us people-pleasers have to do what is best for our own well-being and stop worrying so much about offending someone.
I recently decided to stop communicating with someone on Facebook. I've known him for over thirty years. But I've come to the conclusion that, while he has many good qualities and is my brother in Christ, he truly brings out the worst in me. And to add insult to injury, he appears to delight in that fact. The reason WHY he continues to do this with just about everyone he knows is beyond my ability to understand. But it's not my circus, not my monkeys.
This may sound trivial to some. But I'm at a point in my life now where I'm finally healing from a childhood filled with scars and shame, and I'm now taking care of ME. And part of that healing includes eliminating negativity wherever I can and surrounding myself with only positive people and relationships.
How about you? Is there someone - a friend, a boss, even a spouse or family member - that brings too much negativity to your life? Do you feel you're a better person for having that someone in your life, or do they cause you only pain and frustration?
The people we choose to have relationships with should uplift us and bring out the very best in us, not bring us down! If they're not doing that, maybe it's time to hit that "unfriend" button and move forward in a more positive direction.
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