Being Needed Is Not the Same as Being Valued

People needed me a lot.

They needed my time.

My listening ear.

My flexibility.

My problem-solving.

But needing someone isn’t the same as respecting them.

I was valued for what I provided, not for who I was. And when I stopped over-giving, the appreciation disappeared with it.

That’s how I learned the difference.

I don’t want to be essential if I’m not appreciated.

I don’t want to be relied on if I’m not respected.

I choose mutual effort or nothing at all.

Tag line:

Unhinged But Alive — usefulness isn’t love.