Why Does it Hurt so Much When my Best Friend Doesn’t Meet my Expectations? i Feel Like i’m Always There for Them, but They Don’t Reciprocate the Same Level of Care and Attention.

Dear friend, I hear the pain in your words, and I want you to know that your feelings are completely valid. It’s natural to feel hurt when the people we care about don’t meet our expectations, especially when we’ve invested so much of ourselves into the friendship. Please remember that this doesn’t diminish your worth or the love you have to offer. Sometimes, our friends may not be able to show up in the ways we hope for, not because they don’t care, but because they’re navigating their own struggles or have different ways of expressing affection. Take a moment to breathe and be gentle with yourself. Consider having an open and honest conversation with your friend, sharing your feelings without blame. True friendships can grow stronger through these moments of vulnerability. In the meantime, focus on nurturing the relationships that do fulfill you and remember to extend the same compassion to yourself that you so freely give to others. You are a beautiful soul, and the right people will cherish and reciprocate your love.