My morning thoughts on the tests of friendship

Loneliness

People do stupid things when they’re lonely. I have been there. I know it. The shadows crawling on the wall are sometimes the only company you have. You’re willing to pay any price to feel alive and present. Your dignity, your body, your pride. But these are not the currencies that can buy you affection. You learn much later that real intimacy is knowing someone really well. How their faces lit up when they’re happy. How their shoulders droop with the weight of their worlds. How you can comfort them by running your fingers through their hair while they rest their head on your lap. There’s no guarantee that you won’t be lonely again. But you’ll always have something to look forward to.

Don't be a victim

Just because you love someone doesn’t mean you should allow yourself to be treated like a doormat. We try to ignore the bad behavior of people we love or the ones they love because we think it is not worth it. This way we become enablers. They go on to misbehave with everyone and think they can get away with it.

If you don’t get the respect you deserve in a relationship, try to find out why. If you figure those are the fruition of a prejudiced mind and a sense of entitlement, it is time to move camp. Honestly, I have been a loner all my life and have preferred to invest emotions in only those whom I have found to be exceptionally kind. We have all been through a lot to be callous to ourselves. Don’t be a victim. Choose happiness.