What I learned listening to Fairy Smut 🤭

“You don’t hold onto power being everyone’s friend.”

Dang. That line stopped me in my tracks.

I heard it as I was re-listening to A Court of Thorns and Roses .... yes, fairy smut (ifykyk).

But the truth behind that sentence? It hit deeper than any fantasy plot twist.

Being liked by everyone is a trap.

One we’re taught to chase from the time we’re little girls: to be agreeable, accommodating, and approved of. Smile more. Don’t be too much. Keep the peace.

But here’s the thing: When you bend yourself to fit into every room… you forget the shape of your own power.

Power doesn’t come from being palatable.

It comes from being rooted.

In your values. Your boundaries. Your voice.

In not apologizing for being the villain in someone else’s story.

So yeah, I’ll take being misunderstood over being a doormat.

I’ll take being too much over being muted.

I’ll take power - raw, honest, grounded power - over being liked any damn day.

If you’re in your people-pleasing recovery era or finally stepping into your OWN villain era, here’s your reminder: Your power was never meant to be filtered through someone else’s comfort.