Everyone has haters. Sure, the word “hate” might seem quite harsh; but it’s reality, whether you like it or not. Some people probably hate you, either for valid reasons or for absolutely no reason at all.

I certainly know I’ve had my fair share of haters in both my personal and professional life. I worked hard and was granted with wonderful opportunities which allowed me to live in beautiful places such as Paris, London, and New York.  And I’ve yet to find a single place without a hater in sight.

I used to chalk it up to pure ignorance and most probably jealousy. But still, it used to bother me, a lot. I’m ashamed to say that sometimes I would even try harder to make my haters like me.

Then a light bulb suddenly switched off in my head a couple of years ago. I need haters! I’m actually grateful for my haters. They helped me become who I am today. Ok, you’ll say it brings negative energy into your life. But only if you allow it to. You can channel this hate into something extremely positive. Yes, yes, I promise you.

Why I love my haters:

1. They keep me grounded. We can all get our head caught in the clouds once in a while. And a hater will give you a quick reality check and bring you back to earth immediately. No matter what you’ve accomplished, you’ll be humbled in knowing you’re not impressing everyone. That’s how I feel. I’ll admit it; sometimes I think I’m the shit for something cool I did; but these people will remind me I’m not all that.

“It is unwise to be too sure of one’s own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

2. I love being talked about; any press is good press. It’s sad but true; nobody likes listening to good stories. But give them juicy naughty ones, and everyone’s all ears. Of course I get infuriated when I hear something negative and completely untrue about myself. But then I tell myself, if they’re talking about me, I must be of some sort of importance. They took precious time out of their busy days to gossip and chat about me and how much they dislike me or what I’ve done. Bravo.

“The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about.” ― Oscar Wilde

3. It motivates me. Especially at work. People tend to assume that if you look or don’t look a specific way, that you may not have a brain to carry around. Well I love proving them wrong, day after day. I’ve had my struggles, particularly in Europe. But I fought through the tough times and made sure I got what I needed out of the experience. I especially made sure to keep those haters green with envy.
Success and inner happiness truly are one’s greatest revenge.

4. It means I’m making a difference somewhere. If you don’t have haters you’re probably not shaking things up enough. It could mean you’re not standing up for anything. And if there’s anything one should leave on this earth, it’s a mark of some sort. Probably not by murdering someone, but you get what I mean.

5. They don’t hate me; they hate what I represent. Being somewhat young, independent, presentable looking (as my dear cousin Christelle would say), and successful, makes you prone to gossip and evil eyes. It’s not me they hate, it’s what I represent or what I do that they wish they could also accomplish or embody. Truth be told; you may be perfect, act like an angel, do no wrong, practically be a replica of mother Teresa, and you’ll still have haters. So just live your life the way you want to, and don’t give a damn what anyone says about you.