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It’s Okay Not to Get Along with Everyone

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RSVPing yes to an event even though you don't want to go; feeling drained responding to text messages; networking with colleagues that you can't stand. You need to hear that it's okay not to get along with everyone.

We live in an era of constant communication and obligation - messages, calls, meet-ups, events - and sometimes it's just too much. The No.1 bestselling author and illustrator Dancing Snail explores the necessity of maintaining a healthy distance in relationships, prioritising your needs and surrounding yourself with people you are comfortable with. Whether it's learning to say no, embracing solitude without guilt or focusing on personal wellbeing over pleasing others, this book serves as a guide for those seeking balance in their everyday interactions. Written in short-form chapters and with delightful illustrations, It's Okay Not to Get Along with Everyone is a must-read for anyone looking to cultivate healthier and more fulfilling connections in their lives.

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2025

48 people are currently reading
677 people want to read

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Dancing Snail

10 books19 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Keya .
299 reviews233 followers
December 31, 2025
rtc.

***
Pre-read: My people pleasing ass needs to read this.
Profile Image for Reading_ Tamishly.
5,325 reviews3,521 followers
November 15, 2025
Needed this book! A perfect 5 star read!

I came across this new release book by chance and I fell for it there and then!

I picked up the book without thinking twice and I love it when such picks turn out to be absolute favs!

The book I am taking about is “It’s Okay Not To Get Along With Everyone” by @dancing.snail

Pick up this book when you need to rest/relax; when you need some reassurance and some self care in all aspects of your life or simply when you feel overwhelmed. This book will do a lot for you.

The illustrations are subtle, cosy and cute. I will say the translation is perfect!

A perfect book to keep with you and yes, it’s a perfect book to gift to someone you care. Amazing book! Will help you discard whatever you really do not need in your life.
Profile Image for Irina Cosovan.
6 reviews
January 18, 2026
Relatable and real: she writes in a way that feels so personal and compassionate making you feel seen and welcome in this crazy world, trying to share with us some hard-won wisdom from her own experiences. The kind of book you keep re-reading because through the different phases of your life you might find yourself in the need of a reminder, her gentle advice to be be patient with yourself through the good and the bad times, share our hearts with the people around us in any way that feels right to us. To you whatever feels reals, is true and there is love in trying to understand and offering each other the space to be ourselves and listening to our feelings without rationalizing them. I can summarize this book with one sentence but I have learned so much more from her, such an enjoyable reading, cozy like a warm winter night, pure like the shared connection with another human being: it's okay not to get along with everyone, but people need people.
I strongly recommend reading this in order to find more peace and fufillment in our relationships, especially our relationship with ourselves.
Profile Image for Cherlynn | cherreading.
2,157 reviews1,006 followers
January 24, 2026
✨ "Fate is nothing but the meaning we place on a single coincidence in a sea of many."

A book that you'll want to slowly sit with... but still finish in a day ♡

Might be because of my mood or where I am at in life, but I found this a lot more relatable and relevant for me than I'm Not Lazy, I'm on Energy Saving Mode.

The lovely illustrations interspersed with small excerpts of text made this a breezy yet helpful and engaging read. The author discusses healthy boundaries and relationships, solitude and loneliness, and plenty of other topics that left me thinking.

Much needed and definitely a book I'll come back to.

✨ "Love and intimacy don't give you permission to say or do whatever you want. No freedom - however personal - should come at the cost of hurting others."
Profile Image for Aliesha's_lit_life .
103 reviews1 follower
December 8, 2025
This illustrated Korean non-fiction bestseller follows Dancing Snail’s own journey through burnout, social fatigue and the quiet work of rebuilding a healthier relationship with herself. Through short comics, reflections and gentle humour, she unpacks the pressures of always being “on,” the guilt of cancelling plans, and the liberation of recognising that not every connection needs to be nurtured and that’s okay.

As someone juggling a busy corporate role, fitness goals and hobbies that already fill my limited free time, I found so many moments in this book deeply relatable. It felt like a soft reminder that my energy is finite, and choosing rest or solitude isn’t selfish it’s necessary.

If you’re craving something comforting, validating and honest about the messiness of modern life, this little book is worth it.
Profile Image for Aria.
480 reviews58 followers
December 4, 2025
Well, now, I feel really seen...It's like the author and I share the same curves amd edges.

Full review to come!
Profile Image for Sue.
366 reviews
February 9, 2026
What an adorable excellent little book - subtle, but perceptive.
Profile Image for Hannah Jung.
Author 1 book1 follower
December 1, 2025
This was sweet and wise.

It was beautifully made - I liked the colour scheme and design, and the illustrations were adorable.

I think it is best suited to a young person feeling a little lost in life, who hasn’t really been in a serious relationship or who finds it hard to make friends. It offered reassurance that it’s ok to feel anxious.

It does kind of say the same thing over and over for the whole book though - I feel it was a little repetitive.

Profile Image for Prerna  Shambhavee .
767 reviews8 followers
February 12, 2026
I used to think being a good person meant everyone liked you. That if someone was upset with you, you must have done something wrong. That saying no was rude. That stepping back made you selfish.

This book sat next to me on the couch and gently said: maybe not.

It's called It's Okay Not to Get Along with Everyone, and it's by Dancing Snail. The same person who wrote those other quiet little books that feel like they were made just for tired people. This one is about relationships. But not the romantic kind. The everyday kind. Coworkers. Relatives. That friend who drains you but you've known them since school so you feel trapped.

The book has drawings on almost every page. Simple ones. A person sitting alone, looking peaceful. Two people walking away from each other, both okay. A small snail curling into its shell without apologizing.

Each chapter is only a few pages. You could read it in an hour. But you won't want to. You'll want to sit with it. Let some pages sink in. Put it down, think about that one person you've been struggling with, pick it back up.

What got me was how it never tells you the other person is bad. It just says: sometimes your energy and their energy don't match. And that's not a crime. You don't have to declare war. You don't have to hate them. You just don't have to keep showing up until you feel empty.

I didn't realize how much I needed permission to step back quietly. No explosion. No dramatic goodbye. Just... less. With kindness. For both of us.

This book is for people who feel everything. Who replay conversations in their head. Who stay in rooms they want to leave because leaving feels rude. It won't fix you. It will just sit with you. And after a while, you might believe it: you are allowed to protect your peace. Even from good people. Even from people you love. Even when no one else understands why.

That alone is enough.
Profile Image for Rahul Vishnoi.
885 reviews28 followers
February 12, 2026
-Have You Learned To Say No?-
Review of 'It's OK Not to Get Along With Everyone'

Quote Alert
"𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐥𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐠𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧'𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐣𝐨𝐛. 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬. 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐬 - 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝, 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲'𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝. 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐦𝐞, 𝐈'𝐦 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐦, 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐰, 𝐡𝐞'𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝."

Have you learned the importance of saying no? Of not getting along with everyone? The cardinal rule of being happy is that you can't make or keep everyone happy. But do you know who can you make happy? Yourself! Give yourself the priority you deserve.

So what's the book about?
We live in an era of constant communication and obligation - messages, calls, meet-ups, events - and sometimes it's just too much. Dancing Snail explores the necessity of maintaining a healthy distance in relationships, prioritising your needs and surrounding yourself with people you are comfortable with.

Whether it's learning to say no, embracing solitude without guilt or focusing on personal wellbeing over pleasing others, this book serves as a guide for those seeking balance in their everyday interactions. Written in short-form chapters and with delightful illustrations, It's Okay Not to Get Along with Everyone is a must-read for anyone looking to cultivate healthier and more fulfilling connections in their lives.

Pick it up today.
Profile Image for Justine Oh.
473 reviews1 follower
February 21, 2026
Just finished this one.
It’s a relatively easy read — lots of illustrations, short reflections, and bite-sized thoughts. The layout makes it very “digestible,” so you can finish it quite quickly without feeling mentally heavy.
Content-wise, many of the ideas weren’t new to me. Themes like boundaries, not needing everyone’s approval, and being emotionally responsible for yourself — these are concepts I already believe in and try to practise. So in that sense, it felt more like a gentle reminder than a breakthrough.
That said, I did find some parts slightly contradictory — especially in the romance section. Some pages lean strongly toward independence and detachment, while other parts hint at emotional vulnerability and mutual effort. I’m not sure if it’s meant to reflect the complexity of relationships… or if the messaging just wasn’t fully aligned.
Overall, I’d say it’s a comforting, accessible book — especially for those who struggle with people-pleasing or fear of rejection. For readers already familiar with personal development themes, it may feel familiar, but still calming in its own way.
Not life-changing for me — but a decent, reflective pause.
Profile Image for Ary アリ.
130 reviews5 followers
January 8, 2026
Dancing Snail is the same illustrator who draws for I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki. This time she writes and draws, but still within the similar themes of self-love, loneliness and social relationship. Her illustrations and colour scheme are simple but eye catching and appealing.

Her proses are quite subtle that you can interpret it in your own ways and probably isn’t what the author intends to. It seems like an insight of the author’s self consolation, rather than a self-help book. though in some parts, it can be relatable especially if you’re a single introvert person.

Worth noting is how in some earlier pages, she writes/draws about the things we love about someone can be the reasons we hate them when we are no longer in a relationship. It reminds me of 500 Days of Summer. And when she mentions the movie in a later chapter, it just clicks.

Apart from the illustrations, I don’t think I can say much about the writing as the main reason enticing me to the book was merely the outer appearance.
Profile Image for Maria Femyrose.
9 reviews
February 7, 2026
This book is a relatable and comforting self-help book that feels like a gentle conversation with a big sister. The book reminds readers that it is okay to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure, especially in a world where we are often expected to please everyone.

What I love most about this book is how it shows different perspectives on life, relationships, and emotions. It talks about anxiety in a very honest and gentle way, which made me feel understood and less alone. The author does not pressure the reader to “fix” themselves, but instead encourages self-acceptance and emotional comfort.

This book is a very comfy read. The tone is calm, soft, and reassuring, making it perfect for moments when you feel tired or emotionally drained. It teaches readers how to be comfortable in different situations, especially when dealing with people, expectations, and personal struggles.

All in all, this book is motivational without being overwhelming. It reminds us that we do not need to get along with everyone to be okay, and that alone is already healing.
Profile Image for Soumya.
81 reviews2 followers
November 14, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟⭐ (4.5/5)

Dancing Snail delivers yet another gentle, insightful, and emotionally honest book that feels like a deep breath on a chaotic day. It’s OK Not to Get Along With Everyone explores the quiet discomfort of relationships, boundaries, and mismatched energies — all through Dancing Snail’s signature blend of humour, vulnerability, and soft illustrations.

What I loved most is how the book normalises conflict and distance without villainising anyone. It reminds you that you’re allowed to honour your feelings, step back without guilt, and still hold compassion for both sides. The simplicity of the text hides a lot of emotional maturity — every page feels like a tiny self-hug.

Some sections felt brief, and I wanted a little more depth, but that’s also the charm: it’s a book you can finish in one sitting and keep returning to whenever you feel misunderstood or overwhelmed.

A comforting, affirming read — especially for sensitive souls and anyone navigating tricky relationships.
Profile Image for Vidhya Thakkar.
1,096 reviews139 followers
January 28, 2026
Right from the title, I knew this book had something important to say. It’s Okay Not to Get Along with Everyone is a gentle yet powerful reminder that boundaries are not selfish, they are necessary. Through simple words and thoughtful illustrations, Dancing Snail encourages us to choose ourselves, our peace, and our well-being, even when it comes to the people we love the most. Because sometimes, love is not enough. This book speaks about the quiet magic that happens when we step back from constantly adjusting for others, and begin prioritizing our inner world. It reminds us that protecting our emotional space is just as important as caring for relationships. In a world that often glorifies over-giving, this book feels like permission to pause, breathe, and come back home to yourself.

Read the full review here- https://vidhyathakkar.com/book-review...
Profile Image for Kara (bookishskippy).
640 reviews40 followers
February 18, 2026
Reading It’s Okay Not to Get Along with Everyone felt like a much-needed emotional reset for me.
It was extremely relatable especially during a phase where life has honestly been such a badass, throwing lessons at me left and right.

This book reminded me that not every relationship is meant to be nurtured, and that protecting your peace is not selfish… it’s necessary.
I appreciated how the message was direct yet comforting. It helped me stay in check with my emotions, my boundaries, and how much energy I give to people who may not always deserve it. Sometimes we just need that gentle validation that it’s okay to step back, to outgrow connections, and to choose ourselves.
A reassuring and grounding read perfect for anyone navigating tough seasons in life and learning to prioritise their inner calm.
Profile Image for armadillark.
29 reviews
February 2, 2026
When I first saw this book at the bookstore, the cover caught my attention right away. After flipping through it, I felt it would be a comforting read for someone like me who tends to be a people pleaser.

The book is very lightweight and easy to read, offering gentle reassurance without feeling overwhelming. The illustrations are really cute and add to its charm. However, while the advice is kind and soothing, it didn’t feel very impactful for me as the messages are quite general and repetitive.

Overall, it’s a nice, comforting read for beginners or anyone needing gentle reminders but it may feel a bit surface-level if you’re looking for deeper insights.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mitsy_Reads.
627 reviews
November 24, 2025
This is sort of an wellness advice / self-help book, but it’s not pushy or preachey at all. To me, what I love about this book is that the author was sharing her own personal experiences throughout the book, so it felt more like a memoir most of the time. And nearly all pages have cute illustrations by the author (I loooove!), not very wordy, so I finished it one day!

If you ever feel the pressure to maintain relationships you don’t want or no longer right for you but don’t know what to do about it, this is a good book to read and get an idea of how to set the boundaries.


4 - 4.5 🌟/5
Profile Image for Elisha Robinson.
51 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2025
This book was nothing like what I was envisioning it to be, in the BEST way possible.

It truly feels like a breath of fresh air. A key point that you take from this novel is that you’re allowed to make a decision because it makes sense to you and you alone. This isn’t an overly detailed book but it’s overall message stands out strongly despite that.

This story is truly beautiful and I’ve loved getting the opportunity to read it. Thank you to Bonnier Books and Blink Publishing for my review copy of this book!

4.5⭐️
Profile Image for Bidasari.
332 reviews
January 26, 2026
Buku ini kategori buku healing.
Kenapa kan den terjebak baca padahal den rasa den dan genre healing ala-ala terpleot😅.

Buku yang santai tentang hubungan dalam kehidupan terutamanya persahabatan, rakan sekerja dan percintaan.

Bab love story yang dikisahkan mengingatkan den kepada scene dalam SATC Samantha cakap dengan Smith 'I love you but I love myself more'.

Bersederhana.
Berlapang dada.
Ngak apa-apa menjadi diri sendiri.
Kita tentukan apa yang terbaik untuk diri sendiri.
Seumpama begitu pesanan di dalam buku ini.
2 reviews
February 17, 2026
"its ok not to get along w everyone" seems less like a reflective, introspective piece on the wrestle between our crave for love and our desire for respite from that crave, but more like an informative visual inspection of a very small part of that. its like theyre edging the mouth of a lovely jar, but never fully exploring the inside. if youre looking for something to nod your head along to, this may be it for you. but if youre looking for something to evoke reflection and inspire self-discovery, id recommend looking elsewhere.
430 reviews8 followers
November 16, 2025
I pre-ordered this book quite a while ago and, once it arrived, I was rather baffled as to what in the blurb had attracted me to it.

To be fair, I don't think I am the intended audience and I am also not sure that it translates well from Korean culture to Western.

Someone half my age, not in a long standing relationship and just feeling a little lost would get a lot from this, I am sure, but not for me.
Profile Image for alstroemeriaswan.
33 reviews3 followers
December 10, 2025
If my personality and adulthood life was a book, this would be it.

I know where and when I have to start boundaries with people. I always told to myself, it's okay if you can't get along with everyone as long as you're happy, relaxed and stay true to who you are; don't force yourself into a group / environment you don't belong to💎❤️‍🩹


🎉👏🏻🥂

YEAYYY!!! I HIT MY TARGET

I guess I deserve to eat well after this😚
Profile Image for あき.
27 reviews
January 17, 2026
What I really liked about this book is how gentle it is. It doesn’t tell you to change yourself or force positivity. It just reminds you that it’s okay to have boundaries and that not everyone has to like you (which is something I def needed to hear tbh). It’s the kind of book you can read in one sitting or open to a random page when you’re feeling tired or overwhelmed. IMO, it’s a nice book to keep around for bad days.
Profile Image for Nani S.
12 reviews
February 13, 2026
#RCKawanBuku

Check in: 12:32pm
Check out: 3:56pm

Secara ringkasnya, buku ni ajak kita untuk menghargai diri sendiri dan jangan jadi people pleaser. Kalau taknak, kata taknak. Kalau tak boleh, kata tak boleh. Jangan terlalu fokus pada perasaan orang lain hingga mengabaikan diri sendiri. Bila kita mendewasa, banyak benda yang berubah. Tapi kita kena terima perubahan itu adalah satu proses kehidupan.
Profile Image for Jadine.
5 reviews
Read
January 26, 2026
Found the synopsis misleading, but didn't want to leave it as DNF. So, here I am. No rating simply because I think I am not the intended target audience. Felt like it would have been a more enlightening read for me in my early 20s but it was too little and too late for current me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

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