Lately I’ve been sitting with a sentence that keeps repeating itself in different forms, offered as advice, framed as wisdom, delivered with certainty: relationships are supposed to be reciprocal. Equal effort. Match energy. Don’t over-give. Meet people where they are, even if that means stepping back, going quiet, or cutting contact altogether. On the surface, none of that sounds unreasonable. It makes intuitive sense. And yet the more I’ve tried to apply it cleanly, the mor

Prefer the full essay version? Read the complete Why Before How article here. It shares the same ideas in their original form — reflective, detailed, and written to help you understand the “why” behind this guide. Important Disclaimer This guide is provided for educational and informational purposes only . It is not intended to replace, substitute for, or be relied upon as medical, psychological, therapeutic, legal, or professional advice . The author is not acting as a licen

Important Disclaimer This guide is provided for educational and informational purposes only . It is not intended to replace, substitute for, or be relied upon as medical, psychological, therapeutic, legal, or professional advice . The author is not acting as a licensed medical provider, therapist, clinician, or legal professional. The information contained here reflects lived experience, research, and best-practice insights, but individual needs vary , and what is appropriate

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