I stopped making friends the moment I realized how deeply people misunderstand what it means to be one. A friend isn't someone who only reaches out when they're sad, or someone who talks endlessly about themselves but disappears when it's your turn to speak. A friend isn't someone who keeps taking until you're left empty. I got tired of always being the listener, the comforter, the one who stays up late giving advice but never gets asked how I'm doing. No one noticed when I went quiet. No one showed up when I needed someone. So now, I keep to myself. I still care deeply, but I've stopped offering it to people who only see me as a source of support. I want friendships that feel like home, not ones that drain me. Until that exists, I'm choosing peace.