It is important to remember, however, that accepting people as they are does not mean you have to like or condone their annoying ways, but simply that you need to accept that is the way they are and that you are powerless over changing them. So why waste all the time, energy–and serenity–trying?

To accept a person, pick someone important to you. (You can practice this with multiple people.) In your mind, out loud, or in writing, say things like these: I accept you completely. Countless causes, large and small, have led you to think, speak, and act the way you do. You are who you are. I let it be.

“When we accept others as they are, it means that we understand that they are doing the best that they can do at the time. “Remember, if they could do any better, they would.” Another of the best ways for how to practice acceptance of others is to find common ground where you can. This may vary by each person, so it really depends.

Learning to accept who you are can be challenging, especially the parts of you that you believe are not your “best.” If you’ve had a hard time with self-acceptance in the past, know that there are ways to embrace the present, gain perspective on the past, and love everything in-between. Cornish MA, et al. (2015).