I was struggling with this for so long but it feels like something is finally clicking.
I was drowning myself to hold on to certain friendships. No matter how much effort I put into them, it was never enough. These “friends” are the kind of people who makes snide comments, “Oh, you’re only hanging out with me because you don’t have ___ to do.”
Someone who knows me would know that I’d rather stay in bed all day than even going to the grocery store for food. If I have nothing to do and I choose to hang out with you, you’re important to me. I didn’t realize how damaging that comment was each time until one night, I hung out with a friend who I haven’t seen for awhile. After we caught up and I told her how I would have just been in bed alone if not for her, she thanked me for spending my free time with her. She didn’t make any comment. I deadass teared up. I think it was that moment that I realized I let people take my time and my friendship for granted, and then I normalized it.
I used to feel bad for not meeting these friends’ expectations for so long, I didn’t realize THEY were the one who made me feel bad.
They needed so much from me. I needed to drive out because it’s my fault I live far. I need to arrange their rides. I needed to make all the plans. I needed to prove that I’m choosing them over something else in my life. All those things I was more than happy to do but they were never enough. They still make comments, “I don’t see you often enough.” “You hang out with x more.” “You do x more.” “You’re too busy for us.” I used to let them blame me. I used to think it’s my fault. I was stretched thin for almost 10 years since high school. It took me this long to realize they never reciprocated any of the things I was doing for these friendships. They just keep demanding more and more of me.
I needed to lie to them and “support” them even when they make dumb decisions. My honesty is not valued, but they expect that I come to them before making life decisions; like choosing my partner. If I can’t be honest with them, how do I trust that they will be honest with me? I see them be fake with others, hang out with someone, then talk shit after. They really I still believe they’re honest to me.
It took me too long to realize that I was doing everything for these friendships but never the other way around. They have never made plans with me. Never scheduled a lunch date. NEVER asked me, “Hey, are you free to Facetime or grab boba to catch up?” “When are you free to hang out and do x.” “What’s your schedule this weekend?” Fuck, they don’t even read my texts.
It was so weird when my boyfriend sets clear boundaries with his friends. “Let’s find a food spot in this city because that’s the middle of us and them.” I was already planning a whole ass trip where his friends (ours, really) live. I was so used to being the one to make the distance that I didn’t know how to be normal.
My “friends” took my friendship for granted, and they think it will always be there. That their roles as my close friend are forever.
This has been so damaging because I have been feeling so scared to let go. Because once they find out they can’t take me for granted forever, I’m going to be the bad guy who breaks it to them. And I’ve been lashing out at them because it’s easier to be a bitch, hoping that they will call it off first, than letting them know that I care so much but I can’t hold on anymore.
It’s already so sad to accept that people grow apart; but all these expectations and feelings have been too much.
I’m just so glad to have been shown what it means to foster a friendship by others. It’s a nice feeling having friends who reach out and care about you. Friends who makes plans with you. Friends who value your time without demanding a certain role as close friend or whatever. Friends who taught me what it means when adults say, “Friendship is a two-way street.”