When someone doesn't like you...

Why do we continue to hold onto a relationship or connection when it's clear that one person is not fond of the other person? Is it because there wasn't a clear break and we need closure? Or is it because we are only perceiving the feelings of someone else and haven't actually brought up the conversation? Why don't we bring up these types of conversations?

I'm well aware that not everyone is going to like me. I understand that I may rub some the wrong way. None of this is intentional, but who can honestly say that they enjoy everyone that they've ever met? It's not uncommon to not agree with or get along with someone. What do we do with that?

I'm the type of person that wants to know. I want to know if you're not fond of me. I want to know because I don't want to waste putting energy into a relationship or connection if it's lacking on the other end. I'm willing to help anyone and everyone when they need it - I find joy in that, but if you don't want my assistance I need to know. I want to know what I'm doing wrong.

I think as time goes on we've catered to the "everyone gets a trophy for being a part of the team" instead of instilling values that not everyone can be a winner. Maybe I'm this way because I grew up in an era that you didn't always get what you wanted. You cried. You got angry. But you know what? In the end you were better for it because you had more drive, passion, and dedication to do better, to change, or to work harder.

I'm open to criticism. I'm open to honesty. I'm open to knowledge and learning. I don't think learning ever ends. I don't think we can ever stop growing either. I don't believe that I want to. I'm aware that I'm not perfect. I may be a perfectionist in things that I do, but am aware that I can never achieve perfection in who I am. Why? Because perfection doesn't exist in human form. Society, the media, and others will try to tell us what perfect is, but the definition doesn't exist.

So what do you do when someone doesn't like you? When you don't fit into their ideals or when personalities and beliefs disagree? I'm still trying to navigate this. My inclination is to confront the person and ask them. Have that difficult conversation and find out where I stand.

What would you do?

What have you done?