dont like

They Just Don't Like You

Association of Excellence
May 13, 2025•2 min read

Gents,

I've always considered myself a “likeable guy”. From the earliest memories of my childhood, my nature has been social, easy going, and adaptable to any group of people. I was what you would call a “people pleaser”, a trait that followed me into my late 20’s. My driving force was the desire to be liked and the need for validation from others. This has undoubtedly served me well in numerous avenues - business, personal life, dating, and so forth. Its also had tremendous drawbacks, that came out later in life.

I'm writing to discuss an important, overlooked, truth of life. No matter how “amazing” you think you are, some people just simply will not like you just for existing. They might come across as haters, or they perhaps might be insecure, projecting their insecurities onto you, doesn’t matter. You know what's interesting, though? These people ultimately contribute to our growth. They serve a purpose. They check your ego and make you stronger as a person.

Ill tell you about a rude awakening I had. Back in 10th grade, I was a very social individual and quite well known - not popular but noticeable. It was during those tumultuous teen years that I had an encounter I’ll never forget. 

One day, a few kids approached me during lunch, “Ryan (my middle name) D does not like you and wants to fight." I was taken aback, as I didn’t even know who the fuck this kid was! Regardless, I met him after school and was greeted by a 6ft 3, remarkably well-built kid 17-year-old from the hood.

Everything moved quickly from there - he walked up to me, shouted insults about who I was, then clocked me with a large fist. Boom! I hit the ground, got back up, and fought back until we tumbled to the ground. Eventually campus police broke up the fight, I was suspended and almost expelled from High School. 

I have plenty more stories to share about people not liking me “just because”, but this one my most significant memories. 

I learned an invaluable lesson: SOME PEOPLE JUST DON’T LIKE YOU and never will. And with this understanding, I had to ask myself, why then, should we waste precious time seeking to please everyone? 

Looking back, I can say it's a lesson that has shaped me and how I approach life, and I believe it's an insight worth sharing with all of you. My point is, stay strong, focused, determined and be true to yourself, no matter who it “displeases” or who doesn’t like you. We are not here to please everyone, as life will tell you that is the quickest way to failure. 

Stay Excellent

Rolando Almanzar

Born in the Bronx and raised in Orlando, the author grew up in a financially struggling but loving household led by his mother and grandmother. In his teens, he lost direction—falling into bad influences, identity struggles, and substance abuse—largely due to the absence of a strong male role model. This changed in his mid-20s when he met a mentor who redefined masculinity and personal growth for him. By his 30s, though successful, he still longed for a deeper brotherhood that combined personal development, business, mindset, and fitness. To fill that gap, he co-founded The Association of Excellence, a community where men hold each other accountable and strive for greatness—without gimmicks.

Rolando Almanzar

Born in the Bronx and raised in Orlando, the author grew up in a financially struggling but loving household led by his mother and grandmother. In his teens, he lost direction—falling into bad influences, identity struggles, and substance abuse—largely due to the absence of a strong male role model. This changed in his mid-20s when he met a mentor who redefined masculinity and personal growth for him. By his 30s, though successful, he still longed for a deeper brotherhood that combined personal development, business, mindset, and fitness. To fill that gap, he co-founded The Association of Excellence, a community where men hold each other accountable and strive for greatness—without gimmicks.

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