From a young age, women are made to believe that they have to please everyone they meet. I should know, having been brought up to make people around me like me. But I have grown up and I know better. Today, I couldn't care less if people like me or not.

I am all about doing what makes me happy, not worrying whether random people like me or not. I get by through knowing those who don't like me and those who don't.

But it's not like it matters too much to me.

All-day long, I try to listen carefully. However, I also don't hold on to the notion that I have to give a damn about what everyone thinks. For instance, the other day at work, I heard Kim tell someone that I am a bit of a showoff, and it does not bother me one bit.

It doesn't make a difference that she is not the only person who thinks so. All I'd like to know is who agrees with her and who doesn't and I will take it from there.

But that is nothing to lose sleep over. People will always talk whether you do good or bad. Neighbors think I am too standoffish. Like I should stop minding my own business to spend time doing idle chit-chat with them.

And I don't mind that they never invite me over either. I have dreams and ambitions, and I don't intend to give them all up to win the best neighbor award.

Yes, I like validation, but not from everyone I meet. As long as I know the wrong people to seek validation from, I will be fine.

I have learned some basic truths in life about people — you cannot make everyone like you, even if you are literally an angel. I wish I knew this earlier. The worst part is that giving a damn about what people think is so draining. It is practically a full-time job.

But I also learned that not caring about what people think is one of the most liberating things you could ever do. It's a major step towards relinquishing control over things you don't need to bother with in the first place. It's like overcoming an addiction.

Let's face it. You can never really control what people think about you. So, why bother with it anyway? That is why I am okay with people not agreeing with me. As long as I do things that make me happy, I am alright.

I fully understand that not everyone can like me. And to be honest, it would call your personality into question if all sorts of people like you. I know deep down that I am a person capable of love and that I am worthy of love.

But don't get me wrong, I am not trying to convince you not to care what people think about you. If that is what you want, then go ahead. All I am trying to say is that I am fine with people not liking me because I don't give a damn anymore.