Here are some notes I took while I was listening to a podcast. The hosts talked about feeling unlikable, and it inspired me to process some of my own feelings.
• Most people like you more than you think they do, unless you’re truly atrociously-behaved. People might not love you, but they don’t actively think negative thoughts about you and/or despise you.
• I think people do talk about and judge some of us behind our backs — especially eccentric folks, like me. But that still doesn’t mean they hate your guts.
• I think just because they’re talking about you, it doesn’t mean that they hate you.
• In today’s world, where there are so many (open and avowed) racists, misogynists, transphobes, etc. — that there are so many people out there who are worse than your average, awkward-but-kindhearted twenty-something. So please don’t feel like you’re a despicable person if your biggest crime is being only a little bit socially awkward.
Jamais Mayville 