Jonathan Wright6 said:@brightridge59
Maybe some of my thoughts might seem a bit silly or even childish to you, but honestly, I’ve never really sat down to dwell on this kind of stuff before. I never gave it much importance until now, when I've finally reached my breaking point with everything I'm going through.
I’ll try to break this down step by step. I want to start with the women. I feel like it’s hard for a girl to truly love someone who thinks they're too ugly, too short, or too thin—someone who doesn't even like themselves because of those things. I know looks aren't everything, but let's be real: when you're meeting someone new in today's world, so much of that initial spark depends on physical attraction and chemistry. Things I feel like I just don't have. It feels like I could never love someone the way she deserves to be loved, because right now, I can't even love myself. Honestly, I don't even know what it feels like to truly love another person—that intensity where they become your whole world. Looking back, I think I only wanted to be with someone just to say I had someone. I got desperate watching everyone else find partners while I stayed alone. I’ve even seen guys I went to middle school or high school with—people you'd never expect to see dating—walking around town with girlfriends, and seeing that just wore me down. I kept asking myself, "Why not me?" I know having a partner isn't everything, and forcing it won't get me anywhere, but because of how I am right now, I feel like I don't deserve it. I'm too focused on my own goals, and I tend to be pretty cold and self-centered. That's really where I'm coming from.
I’ve been thinking a lot about how I treat people. To be honest, I never really stopped to consider if my antisocial tendencies were hurting the people around me, like my friends. I’ve always seen myself as a relentless career climber, and everything I did was centered around that goal. I constantly pushed myself to be the best—from elementary school through high school and all the way through college. No one forced those straight A's on me; I did that to myself just to make sure getting into the right programs and landing a great job would be easier. I wanted to crush the competition. Because of that, I basically lived in a bubble. I didn't go out, I didn't have much of a social life; I was just alone. Now that I actually have a few friends, I still struggle with whether my behavior is off-putting or if being so guarded and cold makes things awkward for others. Even now, I sometimes turn down an invite to grab a drink or hang out because I’m too focused on studying or moving up the ladder at work. Looking back, I actually find myself a little envious of people who have great friend groups—people who just enjoy each other's company, go out and have fun, or head out to a park for a Fourth of July BBQ. I miss that kind of connection. But then my cynical side kicks in. I start thinking about how friendships can feel temporary. People get married, have kids, or move across the country for a new job at a place like Google or Amazon, and eventually, everyone drifts apart. It makes me wonder: what’s the point of investing in people if it’s all going to fade away anyway? Part of me thinks it’s better to just spend all that time on self-improvement and personal growth instead. Maybe that's just my ego talking.
I know I need to start changing how I view myself and how I interact with people. I really want to understand how my actions actually land on others, but I’m honestly stuck on where to even begin. That's why I reached out for some advice. Up until now, I've just been sweeping all my emotional struggles under the rug—pushing them aside and telling myself the classic American excuse: "I'll deal with it later."
That's enough for me today. Catch you all next time.
Your current line of thinking doesn't strike me as silly or immature at all; if anything, it's quite the opposite.
You have a clear, honest view of where you stand, an understanding of where you missed the mark, and most importantly, you are ready to change. It is truly never too late to pivot.
Some of the decisions you mentioned might seem a little impulsive, but let's be real—we all make questionable choices from time to time.
Getting into a relationship just because
everyone else is doing it is certainly immature, not to mention completely counterproductive.
However, you've realized that wasn't the right path.
The question is, do you feel ready for real love now? Are you prepared to recognize it and fight to hold onto it, even when things get difficult or involve the risk of failure?
I am actually quite glad that I could nudge you toward reflecting on how your behavior impacts those around you.
It is absolutely possible to hurt someone through coldness and distance. Just because you tend to view friendships as something fleeting doesn't mean others see you that way.
It's a fascinating contradiction: you find yourself envying people who have it all—the social circles, the close friends, the nights out, the partners—yet you consciously push them away. It sounds as though you've become a prisoner to your own inhibitions.
Do you feel like this is a conscious choice you're making, or is there perhaps a deeper fear driving it?
Adopting the mindset that "everything is going to fall apart anyway" is a fundamentally flawed way to live. Of course, we all get hit by those pessimistic waves occasionally, but making that your default setting for life is a heavy burden to carry.
Sure, a partner might betray you or leave. A best friend might stab you in the back, sleep with your significant other, steal from you, or simply cause you pain. That is the inherent risk of being human.
But by avoiding the messy, difficult side of human connection, you end up missing out on all the beautiful parts. You miss out on the laughter, the joy, the fun, and all those wonderful things you can
receive from other people.
And more importantly, you miss the chance to give those things back. 🙂
Friendships fracture, people argue and reconcile, and eventually, people pass away.
Some connections will last, and some won't. Some people will come back into your life, and sometimes, you'll be the one returning to them. 🙂
Jonathan Wright6 said:@brightridge59
Maybe some of my thoughts might seem a bit silly or even childish to you, but honestly, I’ve never really sat down to dwell on this kind of stuff before. I never gave it much importance until now, when I've finally reached my breaking point with everything I'm going through.
I’ll try to break this down step by step. I want to start with the women. I feel like it’s hard for a girl to truly love someone who thinks they're too ugly, too short, or too thin—someone who doesn't even like themselves because of those things. I know looks aren't everything, but let's be real: when you're meeting someone new in today's world, so much of that initial spark depends on physical attraction and chemistry. Things I feel like I just don't have. It feels like I could never love someone the way she deserves to be loved, because right now, I can't even love myself. Honestly, I don't even know what it feels like to truly love another person—that intensity where they become your whole world. Looking back, I think I only wanted to be with someone just to say I had someone. I got desperate watching everyone else find partners while I stayed alone. I’ve even seen guys I went to middle school or high school with—people you'd never expect to see dating—walking around town with girlfriends, and seeing that just wore me down. I kept asking myself, "Why not me?" I know having a partner isn't everything, and forcing it won't get me anywhere, but because of how I am right now, I feel like I don't deserve it. I'm too focused on my own goals, and I tend to be pretty cold and self-centered. That's really where I'm coming from.
I’ve been thinking a lot about how I treat people. To be honest, I never really stopped to consider if my antisocial tendencies were hurting the people around me, like my friends. I’ve always seen myself as a relentless career climber, and everything I did was centered around that goal. I constantly pushed myself to be the best—from elementary school through high school and all the way through college. No one forced those straight A's on me; I did that to myself just to make sure getting into the right programs and landing a great job would be easier. I wanted to crush the competition. Because of that, I basically lived in a bubble. I didn't go out, I didn't have much of a social life; I was just alone. Now that I actually have a few friends, I still struggle with whether my behavior is off-putting or if being so guarded and cold makes things awkward for others. Even now, I sometimes turn down an invite to grab a drink or hang out because I’m too focused on studying or moving up the ladder at work. Looking back, I actually find myself a little envious of people who have great friend groups—people who just enjoy each other's company, go out and have fun, or head out to a park for a Fourth of July BBQ. I miss that kind of connection. But then my cynical side kicks in. I start thinking about how friendships can feel temporary. People get married, have kids, or move across the country for a new job at a place like Google or Amazon, and eventually, everyone drifts apart. It makes me wonder: what’s the point of investing in people if it’s all going to fade away anyway? Part of me thinks it’s better to just spend all that time on self-improvement and personal growth instead. Maybe that's just my ego talking.
I know I need to start changing how I view myself and how I interact with people. I really want to understand how my actions actually land on others, but I’m honestly stuck on where to even begin. That's why I reached out for some advice. Up until now, I've just been sweeping all my emotional struggles under the rug—pushing them aside and telling myself the classic American excuse: "I'll deal with it later."
That's enough for me today. Catch you all next time.
Start with the subject closest to your heart: yourself. 😁😁
Maybe try shifting your perspective on the people you meet. Instead of viewing them as fleeting shadows who just pass through your life, try seeing them as opportunities to truly enrich your journey. Take a moment to reflect on everything you’ve been working toward all this time and consider what unique value you might actually have to offer others.
🙂