Over time, I’ve learned a powerful truth: people have the right to be exactly who they are. They have the right to stay the same, to choose not to change, and even the right not to choose you. It’s a hard truth, but it’s freeing when you accept it.

When it comes to relationships, we face a choice: we can decide to accept people fully as they are flaws, quirks, and all or we can choose to step away from what doesn’t bring us peace. Both options require courage, and neither is easy.

For me, the work began within. Over the years, I’ve had to stop pointing fingers and take a hard look at myself. It wasn’t “them.” It was me. I couldn’t continue viewing myself as a victim. Yes, I’ve been hurt, but those hurts were long ago.

At one point, I thought time would heal old wounds. I believed that with enough patience, broken relationships could be mended. So, I went back, trying to fix what was shattered. But to my disappointment, some brokenness simply can’t be repaired.

That realization wasn’t easy to accept. Even now, I find myself standing at a distance, still hoping and praying for change. But here’s what I know: when you’ve done the work to become healthy, it’s not wise to risk making yourself unwell again by stepping into toxic situations.

Some people are who they are and they have every right to be. But your presence in their lives isn’t always necessary.

Letting go doesn’t mean giving up on hope. It means preserving your peace. Sometimes the kindest thing you can do for yourself and for others is to step back and let them be.