"what's the biggest lesson you learned this year so far?" that bare minimum looks like effort when you're starving for love. i learned that i accepted less because i was scared of feeling alone for too long. short replies felt comforting, and small moments of attention felt like real love. i kept staying even when deep down i felt lonely and emotionally tired. but love is not supposed to make you question your worth every day. this year taught me to stop asking for the things that should come naturally. it taught me to choose myself more, protect my peace, and never ignore my own needs just to keep someone from leaving.