I finally understand what Machiavelli meant when he said, "Never play fair in a game where others cheat." It doesn't mean become evil. It means stop being naive. Stop bringing honesty to people who study manipulation, stop giving access to people who weaponize closeness, and stop expecting clean hands from people who already showed you they'll throw dirt.
Sometimes wisdom is not revenge.
Sometimes wisdom is learning the rules of the room before the room uses your goodness against you.
Gotta STAY CLEAR of folks who don't value the small sacrifices you make... like spending money you barely got, pulling up when you tired, giving advice, carrying their problems, or being the one who always checks in first. Some people only love the benefits, never the person. They'll use your energy just to go pour it into everybody but the one who's actually helping them.
After certain situations, you'll never look at some people the same. It's not even about being mad. It's about seeing their true character and realizing it was always there.
I read a quote that said, “you can be the prettiest shade of green, but you’ll never be enough for someone whose favorite color is blue," and it really stuck with me.
Highly empathetic people with anxious attachment can tolerate way too much because they're really good at understanding people. They understand why they pulled away. They understand why they're inconsistent. They understand why they're scared.
They understand everything except why they keep accepting it. Understanding someone's behavior doesn't mean you have to accept it.