You should be in relationships where you are appreciated, not merely tolerated. Anything less is a disservice to yourself and a relationship built on pretense. For me, being truly connected to someone means having the space to be vulnerable, honest, and fully myself. Surface-level connections don’t fulfill me I long for depth, understanding, and mutual appreciation.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve become more selective about the people I allow into my inner circle. The word “friend” carries weight for me now, and I no longer use it as loosely as I once did. Friendships, like any meaningful relationship, require effort, trust, and genuine care. Life is too short to settle for connections that feel forced or one-sided. Surrounding yourself with people who truly see you, value you, and accept you is a gift worth cherishing.