One of the problems I’ve had over the years is my need to please people - that’s led to aversion from conflict and being afraid to say no. This is something I’m trying to get better at, as well as setting clear boundaries for myself that will ultimately help to protect me…

One of those boundaries is the need for clearer intentions and for people to be more direct with me about what they want - whether that be friendship, testing the chemistry, hookups, whatever. I like going with the flow, as long as there’s clear communication along the way to be on the same page…

I’m finding these days that as I get older, I’m slowly becoming more sure of myself and asserting my boundaries. Sadly, in turn that is causing the number of friends I have to decrease - I’m “too much”, “too intense”, “hard to handle”, and guys who may have been interested in me suddenly disappear…

The younger me would have internalised all of that and jumped through so many hoops to prove myself “worthy” to those others in the hopes of being accepted and gaining their friendship. But that’s only served to damage me over the years - damage that I’ve only just started to properly address…

If you do value me as a person, then the best way for me to trust you is to be upfront with me about your intentions, and I will do the same. Also please do not take me for granted - right now that is absolutely the worst thing you can do, and I will likely just cut myself off from you…