You Don’t Owe Anyone Your Constant Availability

No, you don’t have to text back right now.
No, you don’t have to explain why you didn’t pick up.
No, you don’t have to be "on" just because someone needs something.

You are not a 24/7 emotional convenience store.
You are not a hotline.
You are not a customer service desk for people’s comfort.

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You don’t owe instant responses.
You don’t owe access to your body, your mind, your magic, your time.
You don’t owe performances of politeness when your soul is exhausted.
You don’t owe anyone the self you hollow out to make room for them.

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If they need you faster than you can breathe?
That’s not your emergency.
If they punish you for not being endlessly available?
That’s not your responsibility.
If they only feel connected when you’re giving more than you have?
That’s not love. That’s extraction.

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Protect your energy like it’s sacred.

Because it is.

And the people who really see you?
They won’t panic when you pause.
They won’t punish you for resting.
They won’t make your boundaries about them.

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This isn’t cruelty.
It’s clarity.

This isn’t selfishness.
It’s self-respect.

This isn’t rejection.
It’s choosing to finally, fully belong to yourself.

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You don’t owe everyone everything.

You never did.

You never will.

And you’re allowed to reclaim the pieces of yourself that you loaned out for free.

—
Dee
(In your corner, always.)