NothingPerSonal

For a long time, I thought the two were the same.

If someone needed me…it meant I mattered.

They called when they had a problem. They relied on me. They looked for me when life became difficult.

And I mistook that for love.

But over time, I realised…being needed and being loved are not the same thing.

Someone can need what you do…without truly seeing who you are.

They may value your time, your advice,
your presence, your ability to make things easier.

But when those needs disappear…sometimes, so do they.

Love feels different.

It doesn’t depend on what you can fix.

Or how available you are.

Or how much of yourself you give away.

It simply makes room for you.

Your good days.

Your difficult ones.

Your strengths.

Your flaws.

Without constantly asking you to earn your place.

I think many of us spend years trying to be indispensable…when all we really want is to be loved.

And maybe the greatest act of self-awareness is recognising the difference.

Because the moment you do…you stop measuring your worth by how useful you are.