‘Want to know the advantages of having enemies? Here are all the positives that you need to know about.
Many people, especially victims of bullying, belief that having enemies is a bad thing. But, what if I told you that there are positives to having enemies?
In this post, you will learn the advantages of having enemies so that you can finally feel better about having them.
Once you learn all the positives enemies can bring, your confidence will rise and you will feel so much better about yourself. Also, you will be able to more calmly and intelligently deal with any bully who comes for you.
This post is all about the advantages of having enemies that you must be aware of in order to boost your confidence and self-esteem.
The Advantages of Having Enemies
“You can tell a man’s vises by his friends, his virtues by his enemies.” – Ben Domenech.
There is value in having enemies. If you meet a person who has not one enemy, you would naturally be suspicious of that person and wonder if they’re either lying or mistaken.
However, if they do have enemies and (even better) are proud of that, it means they stood for something at some point in life. As a result, they made some people uncomfortable.
Understand that everyone has enemies. They may not admit it or may not know it, but they do have an enemy out there somewhere.
What are the advantages of having enemies?
Before we get to the advantages, let’s first discuss why it is that most people consider enemies a bad thing.
Too many people feel that they must win a popularity contest, and they go out of their way to do it. They suck up, trying to be someone they aren’t just to run with the pack.
Moreover, they seek attention, and bully those they see as defective. What’s even sadder is that they reach a point where they don’t know who they are anymore.
The sad thing is that, in doing these self-demeaning things, they unknowingly make themselves slaves to other people’s opinions and, therefore, slaves to others.
You must know that this is a waste of time and too much work. Even worse, it chips away at your self-esteem. You end up letting yourself down to please others, and that’s not good.
Realize that the only way you can be free is to be true to yourself and let others have their opinions of you, good or bad. Realize that opinions are just that- opinions.
Opinions are like elbows. Everybody has them and they’re are just as cheap as talk.
We must learn to re-frame our attitudes about enemies.
Enemies have a negative opinion of you. Some may dislike you and some may even hate you. However, instead of trying to win over people who can’t be won, be glad that you have enemies because enemies see you as a challenge.
Moreover, some may view you as a threat to them somehow and others may want to compete with you in something.
Therefore, rest assured that having enemies can be a good thing. It’s all in the way you look at it.
Also, realize that your enemies don’t know you on a personal level, and probably never did. They aren’t and never were anyone who matters.
The weight you should give to anyone’s opinions, thoughts, or feelings depends on who holds it and and the relationship you have with those people.
Here are the advantages of having enemies:
1. Having enemies means that you stood for something.
Whether you stood up for your beliefs and convictions, or you stood up for someone being bullied, you stood for something and that angers a lot of people.
Also, you may have refused to participate in something bad. Or, you may have refused to go along with something that could’ve gotten people hurt or killed, you had the courage to be disliked. This makes you a very brave person with integrity.
Therefore, understand that bullies and their followers lack integrity. And those who don’t have integrity are people who’s approval and acceptance you don’t need. Feel great about making enemies out of them!
2. The advantages of having enemies is that you’re not afraid to be yourself.
You’re authentically you, and that’s a good thing. Sadly, there are more fake people in the world than there are people who are genuine. So, anytime you choose to just be yourself, you will make enemies. See this as a given.
Understand that when you choose to be yourself, you choose such sweet freedom. Maybe your enemies are jealous of your freedom and the confidence and strength of character you exude. Maybe they want those characteristics that you possess but don’t know how to get them.
Also, realize that fake people feel very threatened by those who decide to be themselves because a person who is true to themselves is more likely to call them out on their fakery.
Therefore, always keep these things in mind.
3. There’s power in having enemies.
Yes! You heard that correctly!
The reason for that power is that your enemies automatically make you relevant. In an enemy’s desire to “get you,” you consume their mind. In other words, they can’t stop thinking about you and obsessing over ways to stick it to you.
Therefore, which person has the power, them or you? This is true especially if you have an enemy who hates you.
4. The Advantages of having enemies: You control your enemies whether you mean to or not.
This goes back to number three because when you control something, you have power over it, whether or not it’s intentional.
An example of this would be your enemy catching sight of you at a party or in the supermarket. A flood of negative emotions immediately washes over them. Your enemy may either lash out or they may leave. Either way, you made an impact on them, regardless if it’s negative.
That’s power!
5. You might have beat them at something.
Whether your partner chose you over them or you beat them at a contest, let’s face it. Most people are sore losers, especially nowadays.
So, instead of agonizing over it, feel good about it!
6. The Advantages of Having Enemies: They motivate you to do well.
Nothing feels better than to show up an enemy. Therefore, let that be a motivation for you to follow your dreams. Continue to follow your path, work on your goals, and live your best life!
7. They can strengthen your courage and your resilience if you let them.
This means using your enemies as fuel to power through obstacles and get things done. Achieve and accomplish! Your enemies may or may not notice, but you will.
Celebrate the small wins you enjoy!
The Advantages of Having Enemies:
In Conclusion
Understand that anyone’s dislike or hatred of you more than likely comes from a place of ignorance, stupidity, bitterness, jealousy, or insecurity. Nothing more.
And take it with a grain of salt. Moreover, only value the opinions of those who know you- God, and those of you closest family members and friends.
It’s the same with your bullies and haters- they dislike or hate you out of any or all of the above filthy five characteristics mentioned above.
Furthermore, realize that to be hurt, angered, and offended by someone, you must first value their opinions. This means that you must value them to some degree.
When you stop caring what bullies think of you, you stop valuing their opinions. In that, you stop giving bullies value and consideration they haven’t earned. Therefore, you stop giving them power by not allowing their thoughts and how they feel about your to control you.
Know Your Worth.
Begin seeing your worth and you realize that you are much more successful and better off than they will probably ever be. Moreover, ask yourself these questions:
“Have any of these people even reached my level?”
“Do their opinions even matter?
“Who are they that I should even care?”
Therefore, if you’re a target of bullying, you should have the same attitude. Realize that not everyone’s thoughts or opinions, especially enemies, are relevant nor do their words mean anything.
Don’t let your enemies stop you from being yourself.
Always be yourself. Stand up for your beliefs and convictions. Have your own preferences and make your own choices. And do the things you love to do. And lastly, follow your own dreams and your heart. Do all of these things no matter who does or doesn’t like it.
So, if you have enemies, be proud of it. It means that you’ve taken a stand and that you’re not afraid to be different. If you have enemies and are okay with having them, then you have the freedom, and you can do anything you want. Always remember that
This post was all about the advantages of having enemies and what they can do for your confidence and self-esteem.
Related posts you’ll enjoy:
1. How to Stop Being a People Pleaser: 5 Powerful Steps
2. How to Stop Caring What People Think: 9 Powerful Steps
3. Setting Boundaries: 3 Powerful Practices to Hold Your Ground
I love your views on having enemies. I agree with it. You continue to amaze me with very interesting topics.
Thank you. 🙂 This means a lot!
What a lifesaver of a post Cherrie! It really helps balance out the power dynamic….
Thank you so much, Suzie! This means a lot and I hope this post reaches many more and empowers them!
good 🌞
Thank you so much, Jim. 😊
Thoughtful post shared
Thank you so much. 😊
I didn’t think I had any but I have come to accept it is normal. Not everyone will like me and I am now okay with that. I never use to be, would feel bad, but I know now that other people’s happiness is not my responsibility, only my own. My new mantra? I live this life I have for me, not for anyone else.
That’s a bingo and a 10-4 Roger, Stella! You’ve got this! 👍💖😊
Well said Cherie!
Thank you so much, Nadine! 💖💐🌹
You are very welcome Cherie!
I like your view on the value of enemies. I think this is a valuable point of view.
Thank you so much, Molly! 💖 It can be a good buffer for the self-esteem. 😊
I don’t know that I have ever had any “enemies,” in the purest sense of the word. But there are certainly people that I don’t get along well with, and some (even some that I have considered friends) that I have separated myself from on social media platforms. I don’t think I could ever be proud of having an enemy. In my opinion, that goes against what Jesus teaches me. I have, though, struggled with trying too hard, at times, to get people to like me. And I agree with you, that that’s not a good thing.
Thank you so much for your thoughts on this, Jeff. It’s still a good way to look at the situation- seeing the bright side. 🌞
Which is ironic for me, or at least used to be. I have a reputation for being quite the pessimist/worrier, so “seeing the bright side” is a fairly recent development for me. I certainly have Jesus to thank for that!
Absolutely, Jeff! Jesus is the giver of everything good- optimism amd hope. 🙏
If you are being true to yourself, some will love you for it and there are some who can’t stand it. Every single person goes through this.
I totally agree! 💯 Thank you so much for your thoughts! 💖💐🌹
I could never understand the pack mentality, I saw right through it so easily. Freethinker for life!
I’m so proud of you sweetheart! Many people get bewildered and confused by it, which only gives the bullies more power.
Thank you. I can understand the pack/herd mentality intellectually but not emotionally; I cannot wrap my head around those feelings or lack thereof.
I understand. My heart hurts for you.
That’s a very good point. You do make enemies based on your virtues or values. Once someone anonymous contacted me and asked why I thought it was a good idea to let my enemy know their tactics aren’t working anymore. I had been posting a lot of about gaslighting and manipulation on Quora at the time. I’m not sure who that person was, a family member/ex friend, but I do know now that I have at least one enemy. lol
It sounds like it. Realize that in educating others about gaslighting, you will make enemies. And the reason being is because they feel you are horsing in on their supply and empowering them, which is what they absolutely don’t want! Remember, people like them NEED victims. Or think they do.
That’s very true. Lol I love that people are getting more educated on how to recognize them now. I love that you use your blog to spread the word!
This means a lot, Sara! Thank you so much. 💖
🙂 <3
Very inspiring write up
Thank you so much, Faith! 💖
When folks don’t like you for no logical reason or they hate you because they apparently don’t have something you have (like good character), and you know that you are an ethical person trying to do the right thing, hold your head high and let them go “F” themselves. Why waste your precious time on their foolishness and idiocy! SMH 😫🙄😝 Great reminder and post my friend. 😎🙏🏽😊
Mic drop, girl! 🎤🔊🎤🔊 Let them go “F” themselves! They’re a waste of time! I couldn’t agree more! Love your honesty, sweetie! 💖🌹💐 I also love the fact that you don’t sugarcoat nothing! 😍😍😍 Thank you so much for your thoughts! 💪💪💪
Lawd Cherie, I validate your passion for telling it like it is. Bullies can’t come up against you and should they try, they better get ready for a BEAT-DOWN!!! 🥊🥊🥊
Ding-ding-ding! Round One!!! 🥊🥊🥊Da-da-daaaah! Da-da-daaaaah! (Singing the “Rocky” Theme).
Flying high now! Don’t mess with Cherie, oh no!!! Not today and tomorrow ain’t lookin’ too good either! 🎤🎤🎤
Hahahaha! Love you, girl! 😍😍😍
Love you more!!! 😍💖😘
😍🥰😍🥰
I’ll be back to read this. Looks good.👍
Thanks so much! 💖💖💖
True
Thank you so much! 🙂
What an awesome article! I have received your email, Cherie and will get round to reply you soon. Thank you!
You’re most welcome! 😊
And take your time, Kally. There’s no rush. 😊
Really inspiring post! It’s best to just be a stoic, and not place any thought nor feelings towards what people say and realise it is out of our control.
Absolutely 💯 You said that so perfectly!
Great wisdom!
Thank you so much! It’s so good to see you again!