I’m sick of wasting time on the wrong people. People who are only half in when I’m all in. People who pick and choose when they care. People who don’t have my best interests at heart.

I’m tired of waiting to hear from you. I’m tired of texting and not getting a response or feeling even worse after I get one.

See, the problem is, I care. And most people don’t. Whether it’s a relationship, friendship, or family, I seem to always be the one who cares more.

So I stopped caring.

I stopped texting. I stopped calling. I stopped wasting my time wondering about people.

Instead, I read more books. I started writing more. I went on more walks. I went to the gym. I focused on myself.

I started thinking about myself more and worrying about others less. And it taught me a lot. It taught me that I don’t need anyone else. Sure, it’s nice to have people around, but it’s not necessary.

I learned that some people really didn’t care. Because when I stopped reaching out, my phone fell silent. And that in itself was an answer.

Sometimes life can be lonely by yourself, but being surrounded by half-there people is even lonelier.

Learn to be by yourself. Sometimes it’s better to be alone then to be surrounded by empty promises and empty people. Sometimes you need to reevaluate your circle. Look at the people around you and ask: Are they enriching my life? Are they bettering me? Maybe they are, maybe they aren’t.

But sometimes it takes silence for us to really see who’s there and who isn’t.

Because I want to care. I want to love. More than anything, I love deep, fulfilling friendships and relationships. But if it’s a waste of time, I don’t want it. So I’m saying goodbye to the fake friends who only care when it’s convenient to them. The relationships where someone else dictates whether today is a good day or bad day to talk. I don’t need halfway people in my life.

You’re either with me or you’re not. But trust me, if you’re not, I would much rather know now then later. So if you don’t want to be in my life, do yourself a favor and walk out.

Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.