I’ve always felt delicate when it comes to friendships — about who I call a friend and who I allow into that space. Over time, I’ve realized the qualities I seek aren’t just preferences, they’re what my nervous system requires to feel safe: honesty, accountability, and a willingness to move through hard things together. Wanting that kind of depth and loyalty isn’t asking for too much — it’s asking for what makes a real connection possible.

We all long to be truly seen—not judged, not sized up, but witnessed for who we are. Yet in the busyness of life, it’s easy to feel invisible, unheard, or misunderstood. This reflection explores the universal ache to belong, the ways we hide or perform to protect ourselves, and the healing power of allowing ourselves—and others—to be fully seen.