What if everyone loves a version of you that you are secretly tired of being?

The strong one.

The understanding one.

The dependable one.

The one who always says,
“It is okay.”

The one who listens to everybody.

The one who rarely asks for anything.

The one who keeps showing up even when she is falling apart inside.

People may genuinely love you.

But sometimes, they can become comfortable with the version of you that never needs anything.

And then the moment you change, they say,
“You have changed.”
Maybe you have.
Maybe that is the point.
Maybe you are finally learning that being strong does not mean carrying everything alone.
Maybe you are learning to say no.
Maybe you are finally admitting when something hurts.
Maybe you are tired of being everyone's safe place while having nowhere to put your own pain.

You do not have to remain exhausted just because people are comfortable with your availability.

You are allowed to become more honest.
More boundaried.
More human.

The people who truly love you should not only love the version of you that is convenient for them.

Sometimes healing means becoming someone you finally feel safe being.