One great way to discover your true feelings is to journal. This is not meant for anyone else to see, just you. Some people journal and shred it or throw it in the fireplace immediately. Others journal and use that as a place to see growth from what they felt 6 months ago. Journaling simply means writing down (not typing) the words that come to mind as if you were talking to your best friend or your dog or cat. It means no structure or worrying about grammar, just writing what's on your mind. If you do this for a while, you may feel or see a pattern in your thoughts. That pattern most likely will show you how you really feel about a particular topic.
Another way to get in touch with your feelings is to keep track of how you change when you are in certain environments or with certain people. Now, in work situations, we have to be business-like and respectful for sure, but do you feel as though you are using your talents and are you being the "best-version-of-yourself", as Christian writer Matthew Kelly, would say? We can't just quit a job or move immediately if we are not feeling good about our work environment, but we can begin to plan a change properly and not hastily. Before making that major change, it is so important to discuss the plan with anyone else who may be affected, such as a spouse or other family member or friend.
With regards to our family, you may find that some people bring out the best in you and some do not. Working to find the best in our family members may help us to feel better about them, even if we disagree with their beliefs. Being able to discuss what you need from everyone and what they need from you can open the communication lines for a better family experience. If you are unable to do that on your own, family therapy is a great option.
Regarding friends and acquaintances, if those relationships make you feel judged or there is not a give-and-take in the relationship, then your feelings might not be in a good place with that person. Just as mentioned above, seek to understand what everyone needs out of the friendship. It is possible that you may not have or are not willing to give what the other person needs, such as they may only like to do what they want to do and don't care what you want to do. If you feel better in certain friendships and not in others, there is probably a reason for that. It's worth exploring through journaling or talking to a trusted individual. A relationship needs to be beneficial for both involved, not just one of you.
Remember that you are never "stuck "in a relationship. You can actually choose people you associate with. With regards to family relationships, while I encourage you to work through differences to keep family together in every way possible, some relationships can become toxic, such as abuse. It is not healthy to stay in those relationships in that state, but with willing parties, that unhealthiness can be improved in some instances with hard work and dedication. Be aware though, that some situations are too unhealthy to continue. Seek professional help to sort through that.
So, evaluate how you feel in different environments and with different people. Great relationships, where you usually feel accepted and happy, are worth fighting for. Long-term relationships have ups and downs, though, but look at your overall history before you decide to leave it. I wish you happy and healthy relationships for your future where you feel loved and accepted.
