Your Access to Me Is a Privilege, Not a Right

Clarity Over Bitterness: Why I Deserve Reciprocity in Relationships

Let’s not sugarcoat it—some of you never deserved me. That’s just the truth I’ve been avoiding for far too long. I’ve spent so much of my life showing up for people who wouldn’t lift a finger for me. People who saw me as convenience, as an option, as a placeholder. But let me make this clear right now: that version of me? The one who was always there? Gone.

You see, here’s where people get it twisted. They look at someone like me—consistent, dependable, always giving—and they think, “Oh, they’ll always be there. They’ll always care.” But they forgot one thing. Access to me was a privilege. Not a right.

I’ve been the one who listens when no one else will. The one who stays when everyone else walks away. The one who pours everything I have into someone else’s empty cup. And for what? For them to treat me like I’m disposable? Like I’m just… there to make their life easier?

Nah. Not anymore.?

I’m Done Being Taken for Granted

The truth? I gave too much for too long. And if we’re being honest, I’m not even mad about it. I don’t regret it. Because caring deeply is a beautiful thing. It’s one of the best things about me. But even superheroes know when to hang up the cape.

Even the strongest hearts know when to stop giving to people who only take. Even the best intentions reach their breaking point. And you know what? I’ve reached mine.

I’m done playing the fool in a game I didn’t even want to be part of. I’m done being the safety net for people who don’t respect me. I’m done letting people take, and take, and take, while giving nothing in return.?

It’s Not Spite, It’s Self-Respect

I’m walking away. Not because I’m bitter, or angry, or holding a grudge. I’m walking away because I finally realized that I deserve better. I deserve respect. I deserve reciprocity. I deserve to feel like my energy is going to people who actually value it.

And if that makes me cold, or selfish, or hard-hearted in your eyes? That’s fine. I’ve spent too much of my life trying to live up to other people’s expectations. I’ve bent over backward trying to prove my worth to people who didn’t even deserve to stand in my shadow.

Not anymore.

Let Me Remind You Who I Am

If you thought for one second that I was someone you could take for granted, let me remind you: I’m the one who showed up when no one else did. I’m the one who held space for you when the world turned its back. I’m the one who was there, no questions asked, no strings attached.

But you know what? I’m not a constant. I’m not some fallback plan, some afterthought, some person you can call when all your other options run dry. If you thought my care was infinite, if you thought my presence was guaranteed—you were dead wrong.

This Isn’t a Cry for Attention

Let me be clear. I’m not saying this to get your attention. I don’t need validation from you, or anyone else, for that matter. This isn’t some dramatic plea for you to notice me.?

This is a reminder—to you, and to me—that my time is valuable. That my energy is sacred. That my concern, my care, my love—they aren’t things you get just because you exist.

For too long, I’ve let people slide with their subtle disrespect. Their empty gratitude. Their half-hearted apologies. For too long, I’ve convinced myself that if I just gave a little more, they’d see my worth.

But some people? They’ll never see it. Because they’re too wrapped up in their own entitlement to even notice. They’ll take and take until there’s nothing left.

But guess what? They won’t take from me anymore.

You’re Either In or You’re Out

?I’ve drawn the line. And if you’re on the wrong side of it, well… that’s on you. Consider this your notice: you no longer have access to me.

?I’m not explaining myself anymore. I’m not giving second chances. And I’m definitely not wasting my time on people who can’t even spell the word “reciprocate.”

?If you thought my presence was something to take lightly, wait until you feel my absence. Because here’s the thing: I’m not irreplaceable, but I am unforgettable. And the loss of me? That’s something you’ll feel every single day.

This Is My Clarity, Not My Anger

This isn’t anger speaking. This isn’t bitterness. This is clarity. This is me finally seeing things for what they are.

And honestly? It feels good. It feels powerful. I’m no longer afraid to say no. I’m no longer afraid to walk away. I’m no longer afraid to demand the respect I deserve.?

So if that makes me “cold” or “selfish” in your eyes, so be it. At least I’m no longer sacrificing myself for people who wouldn’t even cross the street for me.

To the Ones Who Took Me for Granted: Goodbye

To those who took me for granted: bye.

To those who respected my presence: thank you.

And to myself? Welcome back.

?Because the world needs my energy—but only for the people who actually value it. The rest? They can watch from the sidelines.?

Closing Thought

At 2AM, when the world is quiet and the thoughts get loud, this is what I know: caring deeply isn’t my weakness. It’s my strength. But from now on, I’ll be giving that care to the people who truly deserve it. The rest? They can figure it out on their own.

And you know what? That’s more than fair.