"You know that feeling when someone says they care about you, but their actions tell a completely different story? I used to be terrible at spotting this disconnect. I'd make excuses for people, rationalize their behavior, tell myself I was being too sensitive. It wasn't until a relationship ended because I was emotionally unavailable that I started examining patterns I'd been ignoring, and realized I'd been tolerating the same behaviors from others that I was guilty of myself."
"Every text started with small talk that quickly pivoted to what they really wanted. "Hey, how've you been? Actually, I was wondering if you could help me with..." Sound familiar? Someone who genuinely cares maintains contact because they value your presence in their life, not just what you can do for them. They check in without an agenda. They remember your birthday without Facebook reminding them. They ask about that job interview you mentioned and actually listen to the answer."
People often mistake claims of care for true caring when actions are inconsistent. Personal patterns of excusing others and tolerating one-sided behavior can persist until a relationship consequence prompts reflection. Genuine care shows through regular, agenda-free contact, attention to important events, and active listening. Convenient outreach that appears only when help is needed signals self-interest rather than care. Boundaries function as non-negotiable frameworks for respectful treatment, and caring people will honor those boundaries even without complete understanding. Certain repeated behaviors deserve no pass despite verbal assurances of care.
Read at Silicon Canals
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]