We’ve all been there. You’re feeling down, needing someone to show up for you—maybe with a hug, a bit of understanding, or even just some eye contact. (I messed this up myself this morning).
But sometimes, both of you are at your limits. You’re expecting support, and so are they. That’s when frustration kicks in, and the whole situation goes sideways—when neither of you has the bandwidth to give what the other needs.
That doesn’t mean they’ve failed you. In tough moments, both of you might be struggling just to keep your head above water. What would’ve helped (and what I should’ve done earlier) is simply saying, “I’m feeling off too, but I’m still here.” That small acknowledgment—just being real about where you both are—can shift everything.
Don’t expect grand gestures when you're both exhausted. Even a tiny bit of effort—a hug, a word of kindness—can change the whole dynamic. And sometimes, you both just need to pause, breathe, and recharge. It’s okay to take that step back.
At the end of the day, relationships aren’t about being perfect—they’re about showing up the best you can, especially when things are tough.
—Mark
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