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The Grace of Reciprocity

A New Understanding of Mutual Effort in Adulthood

By Emily Chan - Life and love sharingPublished 7 days ago 1 min read
The Grace of Reciprocity
Photo by Natalie Pedigo on Unsplash

The only unspoken understanding now is this: if you ignore me, I absolutely won't bother you.

This isn't about being competitive or indifferent; it's about acknowledging the most basic truth of adulthood: relationships must be mutual, not sustained by stubbornness.

I used to overthink things, wondering if I'd done something wrong, if you were simply busy, or perhaps in a bad mood.

Now I don't.

At a certain stage in life, you suddenly realize that being proactive for too long is exhausting, and waiting for too long makes you feel foolish.

If I am the only one putting in the effort in a relationship,

That isn't understanding; that is self-pity.

So, if you don't come to me, I won't pursue you.

It's not about turning against you, but about allowing my dignity to rest.

The most mature approach in the adult world is that if you take a step back, I will gracefully withdraw from your life, without making things difficult for anyone.

Some relationships are like that: slowly fading, slowly dissolving, silently.

And now, I only want to dedicate my time and energy to people who respond and show warmth.

Thank you for reading!

fact or fictionGratitudeinspirationalMental Health

About the Creator

Emily Chan - Life and love sharing

Blog Writer/Storyteller/Write stores and short srories.I am a writer who specializes in love,relationships and life sharing

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