Popular But Alone Inside

Everyone thinks you’re fine. You’re not.

You’re the one people come to. The one who’s “always doing great.” But they don’t see the echoing quiet behind your smile, the ache you carry alone, or the effort it takes to keep performing okay-ness.

This is dorsal overlay, when collapse hides beneath charisma. When you’re surrounded by people but still feel miles away from being understood.

It’s okay to feel lonely, even when you're not alone. It’s okay to crave being seen in your *realness*, not just your reliability.

You don’t have to be the strong one all the time. You don’t have to sparkle to be loved.

Find one real thing. A breath. A texture. A truth. Let it tether you to yourself, not the version others expect.