You stopped letting people close the moment you realised how easily they let go. Now you move through the world like you're behind glass - smiling, responding, playing your part - while your heart stays a few steps back. You've learned to expect the exit before the hello is even warm. To feel connection with a hand already on the doorknob. To care, but never too much. To give, but never what would hurt to lose. You hide the softest parts of yourself in places no one can reach, telling yourself it's strength. calling it boundaries. pretending it's survival. But deep down you know the truth: you're not protecting yourself from people you're protecting yourself from the pain of being left again. And sometimes that kind of self-protection feels like slowly disappearing.