Trusting Your Intuition

A few years ago, a group was organizing a get-together. When I saw the message, only one thought came to mind: "I really don't want to go."

I couldn't say exactly why, but I had an inexplicable feeling of resistance. It wasn't that I disliked anyone or was intentionally alienating myself. My intuition simply told me that if I went, I'd be exhausted. The thought of having to maintain the atmosphere, find topics for conversation, and constantly smile made my body say "no" before my mouth did.

So, I replied: "I've been busy lately. Let's meet when we're free."

Not long after, a friend sent me a private message: "You seem harder to reach lately. Are you okay?"

I looked at that sentence and, unlike before, didn't rush to explain. In the past, I would immediately detail my schedule and feelings, just to let the other person know, "I haven't changed, I'm still here, and I didn't mean to ignore you." But that day, I quietly put down my phone, feeling very confident.

It wasn't that I didn't care. Instead, I understood: they didn't truly misunderstand; they just cared more about whether their expectations were met. You don't live to satisfy others, nor do you live to maintain superficial harmony.

We often get used to explaining, accommodating, and maintaining relationships, as if our efforts alone can keep them unchanged. However, you'll slowly discover that a truly healthy relationship won't make you feel pressured before you even attend an event, nor will it question your entire character just because you decline once.

Three Reminders for Protecting Yourself:

Intuition is an honest signal. When you don't want to go, or when you feel tired as soon as you finish reading a message, it's not stubbornness; it's your body protecting you.

True connection doesn't need to be forced. If a gathering makes you feel stressed, it's not the kind of connection you need. A true friend will understand your rhythm and won't doubt your relationship just because you're occasionally absent.

Not everyone is worthy of your emotions, your time, and your energy. You can be quiet for a while, you can say "no," or you can simply leave.

A Word for You:

"Sometimes you just outgrow people. Don't try to fix or force it. Just move on."

You don't need to be understood by everyone. You just need to learn to understand yourself. When your heart, your body, and your intuition are saying "don't go," then there's truly no need to force it. If a friendship requires you to explain and accommodate at all times, that's not the friendship you really need.

May you become more and more comfortable speaking about your feelings. You don't need too many reasons because you'll begin to understand that taking care of your own feelings is more important than pleasing anyone else.

Thank you for reading!