I have set up a reliable system to ensure I am not liked. Why do I do this? It accomplishes two objectives. First, it protects me from being drawn into emotional situations that threaten my control. Second, it puts everyone I encounter on the defensive immediately.  If they react negatively toward me, they’ve proved my point: you can’t trust people. If they still like me, then I can trust them. This mechanism reliably sorts people. However, it does mean isolation, being alone, and loneliness. Why am I not at peace with this outcome? I am working that out.