Life’s a Fruit Cocktail, Not Everyone Digs Your Orange Slice
Not Everyone Will Like You, and That’s a Good Thing (Just Ask Grandpa)
Hey there, champez!
Grandpa here, with a nugget of wisdom smoother than a spoon of honey drizzled over a biscuit on a Sunday morning. Buckle up, ‘cause today’s lesson ain’t about baking (though that's a skill I highly recommend you learn – trust me, your future self will thank you). Nope, today we’re talking life, and more specifically, the spicy truth bomb that is: not everyone will like you.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But Grandpa, I’m like a walking ray of sunshine! I sprinkle rainbows and sing lullabies to squirrels! How could anyone not dig my vibe?”
Yup, I know, harsh reality bites, doesn’t it? You’re out there shining bright, being your quirky, fabulous self, and bam! Someone throws shade darker than a raven’s armpit. It stings, sure, like a lemon in your eye socket. But here’s the thing, Champ: trying to be a toaster, churning out golden brown smiles for everyone, is a recipe for burnt fingers.
Think about it like a potluck. You bring your famous potato salad, the one with the secret ingredient that makes tongues tango. Some folks gobble it up, seconds and thirds. Others? Wrinkle their noses and stick to the chips. Now, are you gonna throw out your recipe just because Betty with the bad teeth doesn’t like dill? Heck no! You keep on stirring, keep on seasoning, because those who appreciate your culinary genius? Well, they’re your peeps. Your tribe. And that’s a party worth attending.
Variety is the spice of life (and people). Just like you wouldn’t eat toast every day (unless you’re a gluten-loving duck, in which case, quack on!), not everyone will click with your flavor. That doesn’t mean you’re bland, just different. Think of it like a charcuterie board: you need the spicy salami, the sweet fig jam, and the funky blue cheese to make it interesting, right? So, embrace your weird. You might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but you’ll be some lucky soul’s favorite herbal infusion.
Bless your heart. But here’s the thing: the world ain’t filled with puppies and rainbows (though wouldn’t that be a sight?). There’ll be folks who find your sunshine a bit too bright, your rainbows a tad gaudy, and your squirrel lullabies... well, let’s just say not everyone appreciates the operatic stylings of a rodent.
And that’s okay. In fact, it’s downright fantastic! Why? Because trying to please everyone is like chasing a greased pig in a mud puddle – you’ll end up exhausted, covered in grime, and questioning your sanity.
Trying to please everyone is a losing game. It’s like juggling bowling balls – eventually, something’s gonna drop, and it’s usually your dignity. Focus on the folks who dig your vibe, the ones who high-five your quirks and laugh at your terrible jokes (because let’s be honest, your humor needs some work). Those are your peeps, your chosen family of weirdos. They’ll keep you warm when the disapproval winds blow.
Instead, focus on being the best you you can be. Be the kind of person that makes your own heart sing, the one who laughs until their sides ache, the one who dances like nobody’s watching (because chances are, someone is, and they’re probably jealous of your moves).
Attract the folks who dig your quirkiness, who appreciate your passion, who high-five you for your squirrel serenades (trust me, those folks exist). Build a tribe of your own, where differences are celebrated and individuality is the name of the game.
Haters gonna hate. Seriously, it’s not your fault if some folks like pickles on pizza (shudder). Their dislike says more about them than it does about you. Maybe they’re jealous of your shiny skin (thanks, avocado mask) or your killer dance moves (thanks, Zumba class!). Let them wallow in their negativity, you’re too busy basking in the glow of your own awesomeness.
Remember, being liked by everyone is an illusion. Embrace your unique flavor, rock your own rhythm, and raise a toast (with actual toast, this time) to the folks who appreciate it. And if someone doesn’t? Well, their loss. More pie for you!
Now, go forth and spread your sunshine (or your sriracha, whichever tickles your fancy). And don’t forget to write to Grandpa, because your stories are the best side dish to his wisdom.
Love,
Grandpa (the one who likes you just the way you are)
PS: Don’t forget to bake that biscuit. You won’t regret it.
PPS: If you’re feeling down about disapproval, send me a pic of your cat. Cats always appreciate weirdness. And cat pics always cheer me up.
Bonus Tip: Want to really mess with the naysayers? Be so freaking awesome that they can’t help but admire you. Show them what it means to live life on your own terms, and they’ll either join the party or fade into the background. Either way, you win.