Why am I afraid of people not liking me?

Dear Friend, Thank you for reaching out with such an honest and vulnerable question. Many of us have experienced the fear of not being accepted by others, and it can be a painful and difficult feeling to deal with. From a Buddhist perspective, this fear of not being liked or accepted is rooted in our attachment to our ego. We believe that our worth is determined by what others think of us, rather than recognizing our inherent value as human beings. From a psychological perspective, the fear of rejection is a common human experience that can stem from past experiences of rejection or neglect. It is important to remember that everyone experiences feelings of insecurity and fear at some point in their lives. You are not alone in this struggle. One way to begin to overcome this fear is by practicing self-compassion. Recognize that you are not defined by what others think of you, and that your worth is not determined by external validation. Treat yourself with kindness and compassion, and try to reframe negative self-talk into positive affirmations. Another helpful practice is to focus on building meaningful relationships with people who accept and appreciate you for who you are. Surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people can help to boost your self-confidence and reduce feelings of insecurity. As a coach, I would encourage you to challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and try new things, even if it means facing the possibility of rejection. Recognize that rejection is a normal and inevitable part of life, and that it can be an opportunity for growth and learning. Take small steps towards building your confidence and self-esteem, such as speaking up in meetings or trying a new hobby. Remember that every small step forward is progress. With kindness and support, HOTOKE AI