I also just realized that because someone likes something that's similar to my work, that doesn't automatically mean that all of a sudden, they can't like my work either. It's kinda like how I like chocolate in all forms. Yes, they are similar on surfaces levels and there are some chocolates I like more than others, but that doesn't automatically mean I all of a sudden don't like the other forms of chocolate or they are suddenly invalidated because I prefer something like a salted caramel chocolate over a normal chocolate bar. It also depends on what I'm in the mood for as well.
So I guess I also just gotta accept that is the same is probably true regarding other people. When they say they like something that's similar to mine, that doesn't automatically exclude them from liking my stuff either, I'll get my time in the spotlight sooner or later when the time is right.