The Price of Respect

I’ve always believed that friendships are built on mutual respect and understanding. But sometimes, people we care about can make us question our worth in the most unexpected ways.

There was a time when I did everything I could to make a friendship work. I gave thoughtful gifts, shared heartfelt wishes, and always tried to support the people I cared about. But despite all that, I started to feel like something wasn’t quite right.

It started with a seemingly innocent comment. One day, I said something that, in my mind, was harmless. But it clearly upset my friend, and I was taken aback when she asked me why I would speak that way, demanding respect. I didn’t understand at the time what had caused the issue, but I apologized, even though it felt like my words had been misunderstood.

However, as time passed, more incidents unfolded that made me feel less valued. Once, my friend asked for my hand so she could draw on it, but when I asked for the same gesture in return, she refused. It didn’t stop there — when I expressed my hurt and tried to make light of the situation, she made a comment about the color of my skin, saying that my hand was "darker than others." That comment stung deeply.

What hurt even more was the lack of reciprocity. On her birthday, I gave her a gift that I had saved up for, carefully choosing something special for her. Yet, when my birthday arrived, not only did she fail to acknowledge it, but I was left wondering if my gesture had even meant anything to her. Despite that, I wished her well with a long, thoughtful message. But in return, I received nothing.

I work hard to manage everything in my life, balancing my studies, my family's needs, and my own aspirations. I’ve always believed in giving, even when it feels like I don’t have much to give. My pocket money is limited, and I try to spend it wisely, whether it’s for school supplies or gifts for my loved ones. Yet, here I was, feeling like my effort wasn’t even appreciated.

And despite all this, she never valued my intelligence either. She consistently failed in math, while I did better in nearly every exam. I put in effort and discipline, and it showed in my results. She was not even in the same category as me academically—she was below average, yet often tried to pull me down instead of learning from me or supporting me.

I’m someone who believes in my potential — in my ability to excel in everything I set my mind to, whether it’s academics, music, sports, or anything else. I know that I am capable of achieving great things. But as I stood there, wondering why this friendship seemed so one-sided, I realized something important: my worth is not determined by anyone else’s approval or by the hurtful words of others. I do not need to prove myself to anyone. I am enough just as I am.

It wasn’t just the words or the actions that hurt. It was the constant feeling that I was being undervalued and disrespected. Sometimes, the people who seem to have the most in life are the ones who make us feel the least. And I realized that I had to let go — not just of the friendship, but of the hurt that had built up over time.

In the end, I understood that true friendship isn’t about who gives the most gifts or who performs the most gestures. It’s about mutual respect, understanding, and care. And I deserve that, just like anyone else.

I may have walked away, but I did so with my head held high, knowing that I am worthy of respect, love, and kindness — and that I will continue to grow, no matter what.

Respect yourself✨Don't always run behind people who don't value you!Just remember you are the best and you don't need anyone.You can do everything without anyone's support.