I remember a time when I stumbled upon a quote that really resonated with the way I felt after a breakup: “It’s not my fault you don’t know how to take care of your own emotions.” At the moment, it felt like the perfect way to justify my actions, a harsh reminder that sometimes, we prioritize our own needs over others. Seeing such words felt liberating, like a badge of honor that screamed, “I’m choosing my happiness!”

Another quote that shocked me was, “I don’t need your permission to live my life.” I’d been watching my friends struggle with their own relationships while I was out pursuing my dreams without a second thought. It struck me that there’s a fine line between self care and selfishness. While it’s vital to take care of oneself, I couldn’t help but feel how these quotes sometimes linger in my mind as an excuse to overlook the feelings of those around me. Reality hit me later, true fulfillment often lies in balancing our needs with empathy for others.