If there is one thing I would absolutely love to go back and tell my younger self, it would be that you simply cannot please everyone. I would love to go back and tell myself that; so that maybe I would not have such a hard time dealing with it now. People’s feelings, about you, about other things or other people, are just things you cannot control. Just typing that out is hard for me to wrap my head around, but I know it’s true. The best thing for you to do is look out for yourself and surround yourself with people that have your best interests at heart. If someone is trying to guilt you in to thinking something or doing something that you don’t agree with, then those are not the kind of people you need to be around. And sometimes that’s hard. Sometimes those people making you feel bad are your really close friends, or even your family. And it can be tricky because you have to find out for yourself if they’re actually trying to help you, or if they really just want to help themselves. In those situations, what I find helpful is talking to someone who is out of the situation.
A good teacher is a real treasure, someone who does have your best interest at heart. If you feel comfortable, talk to them. Or you could talk to another friend that you know has your back, or who is outside of the situation you’re dealing with. There are people out there willing to help you. Odds are they have been through the situation too. It’s a painful one, but don’t be afraid to ask for help and don’t feel like you have to save the world. It’s just something that can’t be done. You are only responsible for yourself. Make sure you treat yourself right before you start worrying about anyone else.
