There’s a delicate line that can sometimes get blurred. It sits between caring about someone and carrying them. It can feel like the same thing. You show up. You listen. You give your time, your attention, your energy. You feel what they feel. You want things to get better for them. That’s a very noble thing. That’s caring. Carrying is quite different.

There's a strange thing happening where people are slowly becoming their opinions. Not people who have opinions. People who are them.

It is very easy to say, “They made me mad.” It feels obvious. Someone says something harsh. Anger appears. The connection seems direct. If emotions truly came from other people, everyone would react the same way to the same situation. That never happens.

Let’s start with a story we like to tell ourselves. We like to believe we are in control. Not just a little, but deeply in control of our lives. Our plans, our direction, our outcomes. We map things out, set goals, create timelines, then convince ourselves that if we do everything right, life will follow the script.

Attachment isn’t love. It’s the fear of losing what you think you need in order to be okay.