i finally became the kind of girl who loves being alone, keeps her life private, cuts people off easily, doesn't care who leaves, and stays by herself most of the time. i stopped forcing connections and stopped chasing people who make me feel unwanted. now, i protect my peace more than anything. being alone no longer feels lonely to me. it makes me feel safer and freer. i learned that my peace feels better than anyone's attention, and i would rather be alone than surrounded by people who only make me feel lonelier.