I don't like this emotional rollercoaster...but if this is what I need to live my best life and be with the people that really value me, then so be it.
Never forget that people will turn you into whatever they need you to be so that their internal narrative can make sense.
Ego is a crafty deceiver. Read that again a few times if you need to.
Trust is built on consistency, honesty, and emotional safety over time. It's the belief that another person will act in good faith toward you— that they'll keep their word, protect your vulnerability, and consider your well-being.
Healthy effort is showing up, caring, and investing. Unhealthy effort is clinging, over-explaining, or forcing something that doesn't want to fit. Learn the difference, and you'll know when to stay and when to let go.
You can love someone with your whole heart, whether platonic or more, and still need to let them go. Whether your values, needs or understanding of each other doesn't align, sometimes the bravest thing you can do is take yourself out of it and go your own path.