To the friends who constantly put effort into friendships even when others don't reciprocate,

Just know that you are not alone, and you deserve better.

Personally, I have found myself in many friendships where I put more effort into maintaining the friendship than my friend does. Simply put, it's not fair to be put in a situation where you care more than another person.

Not only does this make you seem vulnerable to putting in all of the effort, but it also takes a toll on a person's self-esteem. When one friend contributes to keeping a relationship going more than another, the friendship eventually suffers as well.

All loved ones, especially friends, come into our lives because we enjoy talking to them, and when we eventually get to know them and a friendship blossoms, we give them a place in our lives.

It becomes obvious when someone isn't there for you, but for their own benefit. These people only start conversations with you when they need something and they only want to see you when it benefits them.

It doesn't matter if they are "bad at making plans," or "bad at texting," people always find the time for those they want to make time for. Sadly, in these situations, you will always be the one putting in the extra effort to maintain your friendship with them, and it will never change unless you make it.

Yes, there are times where people truly are busy, and yes it can be out of their control, but it is in their control to put in the effort to maintain their friendship with you.

It might seem as if all of your friendships end up being similar in the respect that you always put in the effort. Just know that you are not alone. We have all had our fair share of people who do not reciprocate the effort that we put into friendships.

In the end, they reveal themselves, and what to do next becomes obvious. It can take time to see that a friend is not doing their part, but eventually, they will reveal their true colors.

These types of people are not worth our time and energy. Sadly, it's not that they're bad at communicating, it's that they just don't want to spend their time with us like we do with them.

It's time to stop making excuses for those who never try to see us or even ask how we are doing. We can make a million excuses just to keep them by our side, but would they ever do the same for us?

We control the friends we make and the people we maintain friendships with for ourselves. Don't waste your time and energy on people who don't appreciate you.

Sincerely Yours,

The Friend That Understands.