Let's talk about the words people use to make you feel like your existence is a problem. "You're intimidating." "You're too intense." "You're too much." "You're being dramatic." "You need to chill." "You're too sensitive." "Can't you just be easy?" If you've heard any version of this especially from people you wanted connection with, people you were vulnerable with, people you thought were safe here's what actually happened: You had needs. You expressed desire. You set a bo

You can't rest without feeling guilty. You can't take a sick day without apologizing. You can't say no without a twelve-paragraph explanation justifying why you're unavailable. You can't sit still without your brain immediately generating a list of everything you should be doing instead. And you think this is just how you are. Responsible. Conscientious. A hard worker. Someone who takes things seriously. But here's what actually happened: You were conditioned. Systematicall

If you're always the one listening, fixing, holding space, and managing everyone's emotions while yours get dismissed as "too much," you're not empathetic. You're not kind. You're not a good friend, daughter, partner, or coworker. You're being exploited. And the fucked up part? They've convinced you that this is a virtue. That being the person everyone vents to makes you special. That your ability to absorb everyone's chaos without ever burdening them with yours is what mak

You were told he's the "fun guy." The charming athlete who doesn't take himself too seriously. The goofy romantic who fell for Taylor Swift and isn't afraid to show it. The guy who shows up, who celebrates his partner, who's just here for a good time.