People remember you when they need you

Life doesn’t slow down, not for you, not for me, not for anyone. Every day, the clock gives us just 24 hours, and somehow, it never feels like enough. Especially when you're the one others depend on. From the moment you open your eyes until the time you finally rest your head, you’re constantly thinking, working, giving. You carry responsibilities that aren’t even yours alone, yet no one seems to care how tired you are. They just expect you to show up, always.

It’s hard when people forget that you also have a life to live. They see you as strong, as capable, and that’s not a bad thing, but they also forget that you’re human. Some family members or friends depend on you as if you don’t have bills of your own, goals of your own, or even pain of your own. They don’t ask how you’re doing; they only call when they need something. Sometimes, it feels like you're just existing to serve others, not living your own life.

What hurts more is the people who vanish from your life without explanation, only to resurface when they need help. I remember a friend who stopped replying to my messages after she got married. I respected her space, and I still tried to check in once in a while. No response. Then, out of nowhere, she messaged me, asking for financial support. She even said she remembered me because she believed I could help. I was shocked, not just at the request, but at how easily she skipped over the silence between us.

I had to be honest with her. I told her, “Everyone is going through something, whether they talk about it or not. We all fight battles no one sees.” I explained how I’ve helped people before who never looked back, never said thank you, and never even asked if I was okay. We live in a world where many people don’t really care if you're thriving or just barely holding on, as long as they’re getting what they want from you.

That’s why we need to learn to save ourselves first. We need to stop pouring from an empty cup. It’s not selfish. It’s survival. If you keep trying to please everyone, you’ll lose yourself in the process. You’ll give until there’s nothing left. So yes, help where you can. But protect your peace. Not everyone deserves your energy, your time, or your sacrifice. You matter too.