Psychology says people who are nice on the surface but have no close friends aren't lonely because nobody wants them - they're lonely because the version of them that everyone wants is not the version that needs anything, and a self that never needs anything is a self that nobody ever gets close enough to actually know - Silicon Canals

"Being nice isn't the same as being known. When we present only the parts of ourselves that are useful to others, we create a peculiar kind of loneliness - one where we're surrounded by people who appreciate us but don't actually see us."

"Research shows that excessive self-sufficiency can lead to emotional isolation and burnout, as individuals may avoid seeking support from others, resulting in feelings of loneliness and disconnection."

"I realized they were transactional. I provided a service - emotional support, practical help, good vibes - and in return, I got to feel needed. Not connected. Needed."

Being nice often results in being seen as helpful but not truly known. Individuals may become the go-to friend for support while neglecting their own needs. This dynamic creates a sense of loneliness, as relationships become transactional rather than genuine. Excessive self-sufficiency can lead to emotional isolation and burnout, as people avoid seeking support. The irony lies in being appreciated for being low-maintenance, yet feeling invisible and disconnected from others.

Read at Silicon Canals