It’s Okay Not to Get Along with Everyone

by Dancing Snail, Clare Richards (Translator)

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.

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Hardcover

Published November 6, 2025

Reviews

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Aliesha's_lit_life · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Elin · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

[Aria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, now, I feel really seen...It's like the author and I share the same curves amd edges.

Full review to come!

[Soumya · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟⭐ (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.

[Mitsy_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Elisha Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

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⭐️

[Jane Riordan · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Hannah Jung · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[alstroemeriaswan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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😚

[afra · Rating 5 out of 5]

It turned out to be a story I genuinely loved. I picked it up because I liked the blurb and the cover, and I ended up absolutely loving it. I even talked about the book to my followers on my Instagram page and my book club.

This is an ARC review. Many thanks to the publisher and the author for kindly sending me this physical copy in exchange for an honest review.

[elena · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was so beautiful and heavily personal. i loved the illustrations, they were so adorable.

[A_Chirping_Aquarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book

[Takealookinsideabook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books so much!

This was a must buy after how much I enjoyed the first one! I'll definitely be getting my highlighters and tabs out again for sure.

So eye opening and relatable 💕

[Janice Soo · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really enjoyed the illustration ✨️

[Riti · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very quick self help book with illustrations and life lessons.
Puts things in perspective and hits a chord