Being the strong friend is exhausting, isn’t it?

Being the “strong friend” isn’t just a blessing - it can become your entire identity for you and for others around you.
One that you carry even when your hands are full, your heart is heavy, and you’re running on fumes.
And still, no one’s supposed to notice or understand you - because if you’re the strong one, who takes care of you?
You’re the one with the right words. The steady energy. The calm voice in the middle of the storm.
The one who is always there for others without expecting anything in return - because, let’s be honest, sometimes even a simple “thank you” is hard to come by.

But what happens when you need someone?
You pause. You rest. And no - that’s not weakness.
That’s wisdom.

Because it’s okay not to be okay. It’s okay if you don’t want to carry everything on your own.

Even the strongest people need soft places to land.
Even the strongest people need kind words and someone to simply listen.
But don’t disappear.
Take the break, yes - but reach out.

Let go of the guilt, the overthinking, the fear of being a burden.
Start with one person. One honest moment. One conversation.
Let someone show up for you this time.

I used to take so much pride in being the strong one - the pillar everyone leaned on.
But somewhere along the way, I stopped checking in on myself. And eventually, the burnout caught up to me.
Not just emotionally, but physically.
I slipped into a mindset of weakness, loneliness - and worst of all, I started believing I was no longer useful.

So let me remind you:
If you’re tired, that doesn’t mean you’re weak. Or broken. Or failing. Or useless.
It means you’ve been carrying more than most for longer than you should have.
And it’s okay to set it down.

You’re allowed to be held, too.
There are people who love you.
People who want to show up for you.
You are never alone.

- with love. JiHun -