Anonymous
Photographed by Jimmy Woo
If you’re reading this, it’s ok to leave certain situations and relations.
I used to believe that staying meant I was strong, that if I just tried harder or cared more, then things would eventually feel right or go back to normal. Over time, I realized that holding on can sometimes come from a place of fear, fear of losing history, fear of starting over, or fear of admitting that something I once loved was no longer good for me. Relationships changed as I changed, and that was one of the hardest things to accept. I learned that asking for help didn’t make me weak, and choosing distance didn’t make me disloyal. It was difficult to let go and create that space when others didn’t feel like they did anything wrong. But the people pleaser in me was the only one that constantly showed up for others, when I clearly wasn’t being valued back. Following my instincts felt uncomfortable at first, but deep down I knew when something was draining me more than it was helping me grow. Letting go wasn’t about giving up on people, it was about finally choosing to build myself back up instead of losing pieces of myself trying to make things work.
Along the way, I faced betrayal, loss, and moments that made me question my own judgment. There were people I thought would always be there who slowly became strangers, and that hurt more than I expected. But I also realized that not everyone is meant to stay forever, and that some relationships only exist to teach us something about who we are and what we deserve. I learned that it’s okay to fade away from people, even after years of knowing them, especially when the effort and care stop being mutual. I stopped blaming myself for outgrowing friendships and started understanding it as a sign of growth. The people who truly value me show up without being asked, meet me with the same energy, and make me feel supported instead of uncertain. Outgrowing people doesn’t erase the love or memories we shared, it just means I’m continuing forward, trusting that the right people will walk beside me in the next chapter of my life. Just know at the end of the day, you have to make decisions that best benefit you and your growth, the right people will cheer you on and be right beside you.
Anonymous, Virginia Commonwealth University
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