I give too much of myself to those people.
The last people on earth who deserve it.
And I feel regret.
For letting them spark a reaction out of me. When I know all too well that the moment will pass.
I’m still me.
They’re still them.
Judging my pictures and words, without actually seeing anything or knowing any part of me.
The sticky spiderweb that they create seems to trap me every time.
But I seem to be the one biting myself in the end.
And I’m worth too much to cheapen myself by acknowledging that their web even exists.
They will never know me. They will never see me as raw or bare as they see themselves.
And that’s what keeps me sane.
That I, myself, am tucked away. Where none of them can reach me.
Each year brings new lessons.
This is one of mine.
Value yourself. And the parts of yourself that are your own.
That no one else can touch.