There’s a lot of truth packed into today’s quote.
Some people are going to like you. Some people aren’t.
It’s as simple … and as challenging … as that.
Another way to put it? You can’t please everybody.
But, oh, don’t we try sometimes?
You know what finally convinced me that some people will like me and some people won’t? Publishing a book. Publishing a book earns you the opportunity to have your book reviewed by everyone and anyone. And I’ve learned that anyone will review your book — and not everyone will like it.
But Beth, you say, not liking your book is not the same thing as not liking you!
Well, let me assure you, sometimes a review feels very personal indeed — and both reading between the lines and reading exactly what the reviewer has written — it feels exactly as if someone is saying is “And by the way, I don’t like you.”
You know how I’ve dealt with this dilemma of “They Like Me, They Like Me Not?”
- I don’t read reviews anymore. Period. End of discussion.
- I anchor myself to the truth of who I am and Whose I am.
- I know who my family and friends are … the ones I trust the most. They like me. They love me — and they can confront me as needed because I trust them.
In Your Words: How do you deal with the “They Like Me, They Like Me Not” dilemma? Who in your life displays the attitude of Claudette Colbert, the actress who said, “You can never get everyone to like you, so why knock yourself out trying?”
[Tweet “In Others’ Words: They Like Me, They Like Me Not #InOthersWords, #lifequotes #selfesteem”] [Tweet “”Some people like me. Some people don’t. You can never get everyone to like you, so why knock yourself out trying?” #quotes #ClaudetteColbert”]
Comments 8
I think all authors are wise not to read reviews. Someone read my children’s book Little Chief and Ogopogo and gave it a 1 star because they thought it unrealistic a tribe of native people would become Christian–Oh, well….
So glad you operate in points 2 & 3, too. Even as a grandmother I’m seeing more and more the absolute necessity of what God says about us, no one else. We can rest in and build on that.
Author
It took me awhile to learn not to read reviews. I rode the “review roller coaster” a bit too long before I wised up and got off. Now I’m a much happier author. My family is happier too. 🙂
Your posted quote reminds me of the song Garden Party by Ricky Nelson. “You can’t please everyone so you got to please yourself”.
I haven’t met a book of yours yet that I didn’t love, you may now read my reviews, ha!
With age comes wisdom and it used to bother me if I thought someone didn’t like me. No more. Don’t give a rip. Like you, I know my family and close friends love me, well most of the time, and that’s all that matters.
And God don’t make no junk.
P.S. Be sure and read your private message on Facebook.
Never mind about reading your message, you did!
Author
Gail:
You are such a love!
Thank you for your wisdom and your encouragement. You made me smile and laugh today. <3
I don’t read reviews, either. Is it a temptation to pop over to Amazon and see what people are saying? eh. Not so much. My job is to write, God’s job is to determine the rest. 🙂
I realized when I was entering contests that not everyone would like my books. I’ve gotten 98, 99, 58 all on the same book. Hard lesson, but it made me realize the truth that reading is subjective.
I adopted a similar motto a long time ago, after some unfounded rumors were swirling:
That those who know me, know me.
Those who don’t, don’t.
Of the two, the latter doesn’t matter.
I still have to remind myself sometimes when I go home or deal with family situations. I’m just thankful for those that the Lord has brought into my life who do know me (like you, Beth)! Someday when I get a published you can remind me of this comment. 😉
#2! That has been the biggest lesson in my life and one I need to repeat. Often!
And I like you, Beth:):):)
Great post. Great quote. Great truths:)