It’s so easy for others to say, “Just be yourself,” as if being myself hasn’t already cost me so much. As if feeling everything so deeply isn’t a burden I carry alone. It’s easy for them to say, “You’re not alone; you have friends,” but how can that be true when their lives move forward—partners…

There’s a quiet ache that grows when you realize you’ve never been anyone’s first choice. It builds in the silences, in the spaces between their absence and their occasional return. Always there when it’s convenient for them—never when you need them most. They tell me not to change, to stay as I am, yet here…

It took me my entire life to finally understand: words mean nothing without action. People can fake words. They can look you in the eyes and say, “I love you.” They can promise, “I want to be with you.” And then, just like that, they can walk away. But actions—actions don’t lie. You can’t fake…

I miss you, but I can’t even say what it is I truly miss. Did you ever really want me in your life? Or was I just filling a space until something—or someone—you deemed better came along? Do you ever think of me? Or am I just another fleeting memory, someone you had fun with…

I put my phone on do not disturb to shut out the world. I say I need time away from social media and it’s better for my health. The truth is, with my phone off, I can hide without having to put up a false front. Even though I am much better alone now, than…