Boundaries vs. Silent Treatment: Understanding the Key Differences

 Every connection, whether romantic, family, or professional, revolves upon communication.  It can foster understanding, increase ties, and establish trust.  But not every kind of communication—or the absence of it—has a positive function.  Giving the silent treatment and establishing boundaries are two ideas that are frequently confused.  Although they both include restricting engagement, their motivations are quite different, and their impacts on relationships are very different.

 I have seen firsthand the effects of both.  I used to have trouble establishing limits because I thought it would alienate others.  But as time went on, I saw that relationships can become poisonous, one-sided, and depleting when boundaries aren't set. However, I have also experienced the silent treatment, so I am aware of how upsetting and perplexing it can be.  I was left in an emotional limbo, wondering what went wrong, and it caused me to doubt my value.  Through these experiences, I discovered that although the silent treatment is a destructive strategy that fosters animosity, setting boundaries is a sign of self-respect and good communication.

 Understanding the distinction between the two is crucial.  Setting boundaries empowers both sides and promotes mutual respect and understanding, whereas silence prevents communication and may cause emotional harm.  Knowing the difference allows us to learn how to create boundaries that safeguard our wellbeing without endangering others.

What Are Boundaries?

To safeguard our mental, emotional, and even physical health, we establish boundaries in our relationships.  Their goal is to make sure that our needs are met, not to exclude others.  By establishing boundaries, we may express what makes us feel valued, what we can and cannot tolerate, and what makes us comfortable or uncomfortable.

 Setting limits, especially with loved ones, was something I struggled with for a long time.  To avoid confrontation, I would frequently say "yes" to things that made me uncomfortable.  Ironically, this caused me to become tired, resentful, and distant from my relationships.  Setting limits is an act of self-care, but it took some time for me to realize this.  By establishing clear expectations, they promote healthier interactions rather than erecting barriers.

Here’s how boundaries play out in real life:

• Personal Space: You may state, "I need some time alone after work before engaging in conversations," if you've ever required some time to recover from a demanding day.  Your calm is safeguarded by this border.
•  Emotional Needs: Establishing a barrier when a subject causes you discomfort may seem like saying, "I am not ready to discuss this right now."  It's choosing to have a conversation when you feel comfortable and ready, not excluding someone.
•  Time management: You may declare, "I can't take on more work this week," if you feel overburdened by your obligations.  This guarantees that you don't overextend yourself, which is crucial for preserving equilibrium.
• Respect: One way to set a boundary in heated debates is to say, "I expect us to talk respectfully, without name-calling."  This makes it obvious that disrespect will not be accepted.

 Establishing boundaries is about taking charge of how we allow ourselves to be treated, not about controlling other people.  We educate people how to engage with us in a way that promotes trust and respect when we express ourselves clearly.

 I was first concerned that establishing limits would let others down, but I soon came to understand that those who genuinely cared about me accepted them.  Actually, setting boundaries helped my relationships since they eliminated the annoyance and animosity that frequently resulted from uncommunicated expectations.

Consistency in setting limits is a crucial skill I've learnt.  People won't take boundaries seriously if we establish them, then keep making exceptions.  But we should also be adaptable as needed.  Mutual understanding is a must for healthy partnerships, and occasionally a small boundary adjustment may preserve harmony without endangering our wellbeing.

What Is the Silent Treatment?

Boundaries are about mutual respect and healthy self-defense, but the silent treatment is something else.  It's a passive-aggressive way of communicating, or more accurately, not communicating, that's used to control, punish, or vent rage.  The silent treatment provider withdraws, refusing to communicate or interact, rather than confronting a problem head-on, which frequently leaves the recipient perplexed and emotionally upset.

 I can attest that it is among the most agonizing relationship situations since I have personally been the victim of the silent treatment.  A close buddy of mine once abruptly ceased communicating with me due to a miscommunication.  There was stillness, no explanation, no dialogue. I repeatedly tried to get in touch in an attempt to figure out what went wrong, but I was treated with a lack of interest.  I felt frightened and unworthy as a result of the lack of communication, as if my emotions were unimportant.  It helped me understand that when silence is employed as a weapon, it may cause more harm than angry words.

 Many times, the silent treatment is confused with "setting a boundary," but the main distinction is purpose.  While the silent treatment withholds communication to cause emotional anguish, boundaries convey requirements.  The silent treatment is about control, not self-care.

The silent treatment is protracted, indefinite, and intended to make the other person feel guilty or rejected, in contrast to a healthy pause that lets individuals calm down before talking about a problem.  It is employed to engender doubt, leading the receiver to doubt their own actions and value.  In severe circumstances, it may constitute emotional abuse and result in permanent psychological damage.

Characteristics of the Silent Treatment

Although the silent treatment can take many various forms, it typically entails avoiding communication, purposefully ignoring someone, or responding with a single, icy remark.  Silent treatment is ambiguous and puts the other person in emotional limbo, in contrast to setting boundaries, where communication is straightforward and unambiguous.

 Typical traits include the following:

•  Avoidance: When someone is talked to, they move away, avoid interactions, or refuse to recognize their existence.
•  Punishment: To cause the other person to suffer emotionally, they stop communicating and showing affection, instead of expressing their dissatisfaction or rage.
• Control and Manipulation: Sometimes, the silent treatment is employed to coerce the other person into making unstated requests by making them feel guilty or desperate for reconciliation.
• Lack of Resolution: The silent treatment leaves problems unsolved and breeds persistent animosity, in contrast to constructive conflict resolution, when both parties communicate their concerns and seek a solution.

 I've witnessed this phenomenon in romantic relationships as well.  In one of my friends' relationships, if they disagreed, her spouse would become silent for days.  He would stop communicating altogether rather than work things out, which made her nervous and cautious.  She eventually saw that this was a means of controlling the situation and making her feel accountable for always repairing the relationship, not about taking distance. The harm that the silent treatment may do is this: it creates an unhealthy power imbalance, making one person feel insignificant while the other person has all the authority.

 The silent treatment erodes relationships, in contrast to establishing boundaries, which improves them by encouraging openness and understanding.  It makes the recipient feel unworthy of contact, cultivates insecurity, and produces emotional isolation.  It weakens intimacy and trust over time, making it challenging to keep a deep relationship.

Key Differences Between Boundaries and the Silent Treatment

Since both the silent treatment and creating boundaries include limiting engagement, they may appear to be comparable at first.  Their purpose, communication style, and effect on relationships, however, are where the main differences reside.  Boundaries foster emotional health and self-respect, while the silent treatment causes emotional pain and uncertainty.

1. Intent: Empowerment vs. Control

 The main distinction between the silent treatment and limits is the rationale behind them.

•  To preserve good relationships and safeguard one's wellbeing, boundaries are set.  They enable people to assertively and plainly express their wants.
•  Silent treatment is frequently employed as a tactic to impose authority or cause psychological suffering.  Making the other person feel guilty, uncared for, or in need of attention is more important than taking care of oneself.

This distinction was something I had to discover the hard way.  At first, I was concerned that I was being aloof when I needed time away from particular topics or individuals.  However, I later came to understand that expressing my boundaries—for example, by saying to someone, "I need time to process this before we talk about it"—was not the same as closing down and remaining silent.  Whereas the latter harms a connection, the former strengthens it.

2. Communication: Clarity vs. Silence

 While the silent treatment feeds on ambiguity and uncertainty, a healthy boundary entails open and honest communication.

•  Setting boundaries calls for polite, straightforward dialogue.  For instance, "I need to take a break and discuss this later" might be used if a conversation becomes too stressful.
• There is absolutely no communication during silent therapy.  The individual completely avoids interactions, leaving the other person perplexed and wounded, rather than expressing what is wrong or what is required.

 A close relative and I had a dispute once, and rather than expressing their anger, they just stopped answering my calls and messages.  When we eventually spoke again, it seemed like a wound that had never really healed since there was no closure, which made everything worse.  The quiet treatment has the drawback of not solving any issues.

3. Effect on Relationships: Strengthening vs. Damaging

While the silent treatment harms relationships by causing emotional distance, boundaries strengthen them by promoting trust.

•  Setting limits teaches people how to treat themselves and demonstrates self-respect.  They establish an environment where both people may feel safe and appreciated.
•  The victim of silent treatment frequently feels unimportant, uneasy, and invisible.  One person gains control over the other, creating a poisonous dynamic.

 People may have space when they need it without endangering their relationship when they establish healthy boundaries.  The silent treatment, on the other hand, is a type of emotional disengagement that can leave the recipient feeling unsafe and abandoned.

4. Resolution: Conflict Management vs. Avoidance

While the silent treatment leaves disputes unsolved, setting boundaries is proactive and helps avoid misunderstandings.

•  Setting boundaries helps to avoid needless harm and misunderstanding by establishing clear expectations.  They enable both parties to comprehend what is and is not appropriate.
•  Silent treatment breeds anger and leaves problems unsolved.  Instead of promoting problem-solving, it exacerbates emotional scars.

 The fact that limits offer clarity and aid in dispute resolution is among the most important lessons I've ever learnt.  The quiet treatment, on the other hand, merely widens the gap.  Setting boundaries rather than retiring in silence has always resulted in more polite and healthy conversations.

How to Set Healthy Boundaries Without Resorting to the Silent Treatment

You are not the only one who has ever had trouble establishing boundaries or shutting down during arguments.  Many individuals worry that speaking out will result in conflict or that establishing limits would drive others away.  Nonetheless, preserving solid and civil relationships requires knowing how to establish appropriate limits without using the silent treatment.

 The following are some essential techniques for successfully communicating limits without suffering from silent withdrawal:

1. Talk Clearly and Openly

Expecting other people to "just know" what they need is one of the biggest blunders individuals make.  However, nobody can read minds.  Instead of retiring in quiet, be honest about what's hurting you or if you need space.

 After a disagreement, say something like, "I need some time to process my thoughts," rather than dismissing the other person.  Let's discuss this when I'm feeling more upbeat.

 This method maintains open communication while establishing a distinct limit.  It communicates to the other person that you are only taking some time to collect your thoughts and are not permanently cutting them off.

I used to think that if someone genuinely cared about me, they would see my problems right away.  However, I came to see that expecting unspoken desires to be satisfied would just make me frustrated.  Direct communication improves relationships and avoids misunderstandings.

2. Be Consistent and Assertive

 It is not sufficient to establish a border once; you must continually maintain it.  People may not take your limits seriously if you let them go too far after telling them that you need space when you're anxious.

But consistency does not equate to rigidity.  Flexibility is sometimes required.  Compromise is a necessary component of healthy relationships, and emotional maturity is demonstrated by being willing to talk about limits.  The secret is to maintain your fundamental demands while being flexible when necessary.

 For instance, you may remark, "I appreciate our conversations, but I need to stick to my sleep schedule," if a buddy keeps calling late at night while you're trying to get some sleep.  Instead, let's speak early in the evening.

 By providing an alternative and reinforcing your boundaries, this maintains the balance of the connection without totally cutting the other person off.

3. Stay Calm and Avoid Reacting Emotionally

During disagreements, it's normal to feel angry or overpowered, but emotionally responding can occasionally make matters worse.  Take a deep breath and gently express your demands rather than lashing out or using the silent treatment.

 I recall being deeply offended by a friend's behavior at one point.  My first reaction was to ignore them entirely in the hopes that they would "realize" their mistake.  However, it just made things more tense rather than better.  We had an open discussion once I finally told him how I felt, and as a result, our relationship grew stronger.

 "Am I setting a boundary for my well-being, or am I punishing them for hurting me?" should be your question if you ever feel the need to distance yourself.

Boundaries should always be rooted in self-respect, not revenge or manipulation.

4. Develop Empathy and Consider the Other Person’s Perspective

Prioritizing your own health is vital, but it's as critical to be sensitive to the sentiments of others.  Setting boundaries should promote healthy connections rather than excluding individuals.

 If a limit you've set hurts someone, respect their sentiments while sticking to your choice.  "I understand that this might be difficult for you, but I need to do this for my own well-being," is a simple statement that can have a significant impact on how others perceive your limits.

 By being aware of both viewpoints, you may avoid needless confrontations and make sure that your limits are based on self-care rather than animosity.

5. Seek Resolution Instead of Avoidance

The silent treatment avoids disputes, whereas boundaries seek to address them. This is one of the primary distinctions between the two approaches.  When a problem emerges, set limits to pave the way for a solution rather than closing down.

 For example, following a disagreement, let the other person know when you're ready to discuss if you need some space.  Saying something like, "I need some time to calm down, but let's revisit this conversation tomorrow," guarantees that the problem will be discussed and not disregarded.

 The only result of completely avoiding a talk is unresolved tension, which might develop into bitterness over time.  Even when the conversations are challenging, having healthy limits promotes candid communication.

Read More

Breaking Free from the Chaos: Understanding and Overcoming Drama Addiction

Drama appears on television, social media, and occasionally even in our private lives. Drama is unavoidable, but for some people, it becomes more than a fleeting kind of entertainment—it becomes a way of life. Whether at work, in friendships, or in love relationships, I've found that certain people appear to draw attention to themselves or even cause trouble wherever they go. They seem to flourish on turmoil and the resulting emotional highs and lows. I've observed this behavior in other people and occasionally even found myself being sucked into pointless arguments.

I was more involved in dramatic events than I would have wished to be at one point. Although I didn't intentionally seek out drama, I became aware that occasionally, unintentionally, I was arguing or overreacting to circumstances that weren't worthy of such intensity. I began to see trends: talks that left me emotionally spent, individuals who were always causing trouble, and times when I felt restless during quiet periods. It became evident that drama, whether through interpersonal relationships or my own responses, had a way of infiltrating my existence.

It's critical to acknowledge that drama may be addicting for anybody who has ever been enmeshed in needless strife. It produces a vicious circle of chaos, upheaval, and stress, negatively impacting relationships, mental health, and general happiness. The first step to escaping is realizing this. Anyone who wants to build a secure and satisfying life must learn to let go of drama and embrace a more tranquil way of living.

What Exactly Does It Mean to Have a Drama Addiction?

The propensity to seek out, participate in, or create emotionally charged situations—even when they are unnecessary—is known as drama addiction. People who suffer from drama addiction frequently experience ongoing upheaval in their relationships, social networks, and employment. I've seen firsthand how certain people seem to be unable to work in quiet or steady settings, instead hopping from one dramatic circumstance to another. They seem to be uncomfortable with quiet, so they unintentionally—or perhaps intentionally—create turmoil to make up for it.

I know this because I've interacted with people who were hooked to drama, not because I was one myself. There have been occasions when I have seen that certain people are always dealing with issues, arguments, or crises. I initially believed it to be a coincidence, but eventually, I saw a trend. These people weren't simply unfortunate; they were enmeshed in a vicious loop of seeking out emotional intensity, even if it meant negative.

Drama addiction symptoms:

I've seen the following typical symptoms of drama addiction in other people and occasionally even in myself:

• Constant Conflict: Constantly getting into disagreements, even over trivial matters. After several encounters, I've questioned, "Was that fight even necessary?" I concluded that some people enjoy conflict.
• Emotional Intensity: A need for intense emotional responses, such as rage, excitement, or despair. I've known folks who required something spectacular or thrilling to feel alive; they couldn't stand a calm, serene evening.
• Relationship Turmoil: Recurring issues in love relationships, friendships, or familial bonds. Arguments seemed more common than unusual in the partnerships I've had in the past.
• Creating Problems: Feeling the need to start a fight or cause trouble while everything is quiet. I've encountered folks who seemed to start arguments just because they didn't like stability.
• Thriving on Chaos: Feeling the need to start a fight or cause trouble while everything is quiet. I've encountered folks who seemed to start arguments just because they didn't like stability.

Why Do Individuals Become Addicted to Drama?

Addiction to drama seldom occurs without underlying causes and doesn't begin quickly. People typically have a deeper emotional or psychological explanation for their ongoing turmoil, based on my observations of both myself and other people. Because drama seems so natural to them, some people might not even be aware that they are drawn to it. I saw patterns that explained the conduct of some people in my life when I started to pay attention to why they seemed to be hooked on conflict.

1. Emotional Validation: 

The emotional intensity that drama provides is one of the main causes of drama addiction. People can feel alive while they are experiencing strong emotions, such as enthusiasm, rage, or despair. Drama may offer a rapid and potent sensation of approval to people who suffer from emotional instability or poor self-esteem.

Even if the matter wasn't that important, there have been times when a passionate disagreement left me feeling emotionally charged. Your heart quickens, your feelings intensify, and for that instant, you feel totally involved—it's almost like an adrenaline rush. Because they may feel empty or meaningless without it, some people often want that feeling. They can think that dramatic events demonstrate that they "matter" or that their emotions are being acknowledged.

2. Avoidance of Deeper Issues: 

I've personally had trouble with this in the past. It might be simpler to act out outward drama than to deal with interior conflicts. Drama may be an unconscious way for people with unresolved trauma, personal fears, or emotional scars to divert their attention from more serious problems.

For instance, I used to know someone who was always causing trouble in their relationships. They would quarrel over little matters, accuse others of misconduct, and appear to be in constant emotional turmoil. As time went on, I came to see that their need for drama was more about escaping their own suffering than it was about the actual problems. They kept themselves occupied with the mayhem outside of themselves rather than dealing with their previous traumas.

I've occasionally observed this phenomenon in myself as well. I noticed that I was responding more emotionally to little matters during a very trying time in my life. In retrospect, I see that I was avoiding dealing with my own issues by utilizing external problems. I was able to change my attention from pointless drama to genuine emotional healing after realizing this.

3. Boredom and the Need for Stimulation: 

Some folks are just bored; they may not be attempting to evade issues or find approval. Drama becomes a simple approach to break up the monotony of life for people who need excitement.

I've witnessed this happen on social media when users start pointless arguments to get things going. They will post contentious viewpoints, participate in contentious discussions, or even start arguments with people just for the thrill. They create drama to make things intriguing as if they find stability and serenity boring.

I used to question why some of the people in my life appeared to draw trouble. However, upon closer inspection, I saw that they weren't inherently unfortunate; rather, they were deliberately looking for circumstances that would keep them emotionally involved. Some people ruin calm moments in pursuit of something more dramatic because they mistake stability for boredom.

4. Learned Behavior from Childhood: 

Upbringing is another important factor contributing to drama addiction. Someone may learn to accept drama as a natural part of life if they were raised in a home where disagreements, emotional outbursts, or instability were frequent occurrences.

People from chaotic backgrounds frequently replicate similar patterns in their own lives, even if they are unaware of it. A youngster may absorb the idea that this is how relationships and life operate if they watch their parents fighting frequently, manipulating their emotions, or experiencing continual crises. Because drama seems comfortable to them as adults, they unintentionally seek it out or manufacture it.

Because of this, ending the cycle of drama addiction frequently takes in-depth introspection and goes beyond simply avoiding disputes or confrontations. People may make deliberate adjustments and move toward a healthy way of living by being aware of the causes of these inclinations.

Drama Addiction's Effects on Your Life

Drama addiction may have a major negative impact on many facets of life in addition to being emotionally draining. Excessive confrontation may tire individuals out, disrupt relationships, and even hurt physical health, as I have personally witnessed. Although some people may consider drama to be a normal part of life, the truth is that experiencing emotional upheaval regularly has long-term effects.

1. Mental Health: Constant Stress and Anxiety

The toll drama addiction has on mental health is one of its main drawbacks. A person's mind never gets a chance to rest when they are always embroiled in disputes, fights, or emotional turmoil. Increased stress, worry, and even depression may result from this over time.

I recall a period when I had to deal with a lot of drama at once, including arguments on social media, work-related issues, and familial disputes. I had the impression that I was constantly in "fight mode," psychologically getting ready for the next problem to come up. Because of the tension, I was always exhausted, agitated, and feeling overburdened. I became aware of a change as soon as I began to distance myself from drama. I no longer bore the emotional burden of ongoing tension, my emotions were steady, and my intellect was clearer.

Dramatic people frequently aren't aware of how much it impacts their mental health. The human brain isn't designed to be emotionally charged all the time. Our mental habits are rewired to become more reactive, defensive, and emotionally unstable when we repeatedly subject ourselves to needless stress.

2. Strained or Broken Relationships: 

Drama addiction's ability to ruin relationships is among the worst things I've seen (and experienced). People are pushed away by the ongoing war, which isolates dramatists.

Someone in one of my friendships was always enmeshed in some sort of emotional turmoil. I first sympathized with them and tried to help them, but as time went on, I understood that they were addicted to the fight itself and not seeking answers. Every encounter with them was burdensome, exhausting, and rife with pointless issues. I eventually had to pull away, and I saw that other people followed suit.

Peace, stability, and pleasant energy are things that people are drawn to by nature. Some run the danger of alienating even their loved ones when they consistently bring turmoil into their relationships. It can be worthwhile to consider whether drama is influencing your relationships if you notice that others tend to withdraw from you or appear worn out after interacting with you.

3. Physical Health: The Body Feels the Stress Too

The physical effects of mental anguish are often underestimated. Dramatic stress can result in:

• Fatigue: It is draining to have ongoing emotional anguish. There is little time for mental or physical recuperation because of the energy expended on resolving disputes.
• Headaches: Have you ever experienced a tension headache following a protracted, tense argument? This is because drama appears in the body.
• Sleep Issues: It's more difficult to unwind and get a good night's sleep when your mind is always racing with problems. There have been occasions when I stayed up for hours mentally reenacting tragic events.
• Digestive Problems: Stress has an impact on the gut, and long-term emotional discomfort can exacerbate digestive issues including bloating, nausea, or stomach pain.

Before realizing the bodily consequences, I believed that stress was just a mental burden. My body felt lighter, I slept better, and I had more energy all day long the instant I moved away from pointless arguments.

4. Stagnation and Lack of Personal Development: 

You can't concentrate on personal development while you're always enmeshed in drama. Drama junkies focus their energies on pointless arguments, gossip, and emotional turmoil rather than progressing toward worthwhile objectives.

I've witnessed this in folks who are caught in the same patterns year after year—constantly coping with the same poisonous connections, the same work-related stress, and the same relationship issues. They remain stuck in the same emotional patterns rather than advancing.

There have been times when I've allowed external issues to take up too much of my time and distracted me from working on improving myself. I had more mental room to concentrate on what really mattered—personal development, professional aspirations, and building a tranquil life—after I made the intentional decision to step back from pointless arguments.

How to Escape the Addiction to Drama

It takes deliberate effort and a commitment to change to overcome a drama addiction. Some people may first find it unsettling since, after all, tranquility may seem strange to them if drama has played a significant role in their lives. However, the advantages of removing oneself from ongoing conflict outweigh the costs.

1. Identify the Pattern: Recognize Your Triggers

Self-awareness is the first step to kicking the drama addiction. Keep an eye out for circumstances, individuals, and actions that frequently result in drama.

I began making mental notes anytime I was involved in pointless arguments. I questioned myself:

• Was the burden of this scenario truly worth it?
• Did I act irrationally or emotionally?
• Do certain individuals appear to always introduce turmoil into my life?

I could choose my responses more thoughtfully when I recognized my triggers.

2. Seek Healthy Emotional Validation:

Finding healthy methods to feel emotionally fulfilled is crucial if drama has been your primary source of emotional intensity.

• Engage in creative hobbies: Take up artistic pursuits; writing, painting, music, or any other kind of artistic expression can serve as a constructive emotional release.
• Practice mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness exercises to lessen your need for emotional highs by learning to appreciate calm and quiet.
• Build supportive relationships: Create a supportive network by surrounding oneself with positive, conflict-avoidance-promoting individuals.

I discovered that I could get the same emotional boost without the negative by having in-depth, meaningful talks and doing creative things.

3. Treat the underlying problems:

Drama can occasionally be a sign of more serious emotional problems. Investigating if underlying traumas, anxieties, or prior experiences are causing your persistent attraction to confrontation may be beneficial.

Journaling and introspection have helped me personally, but therapy or counseling can be quite beneficial for more serious problems. Speaking with an expert can offer insight and strategies for escaping negative emotional habits.

4. Practice Mindfulness: Stay Present and Respond Rationally

Emotional overreactions can be avoided by practicing mindfulness. Instead of responding on impulse, you may choose how to behave when you're conscious of your thoughts and feelings at the time.

In heated circumstances, I began to practice basic mindfulness exercises like deep breathing and stopping before reacting. I've been able to prevent needless confrontations by just pausing to consider my actions before responding.

5. Establish Boundaries: Protect Your Peace

Not everyone wishes to avoid conflict. Setting boundaries with people who keep bringing negativity into your life may be necessary if you're attempting to break away from their hold.

I've had to cut ties with folks who were always causing difficulties. Although it wasn't easy at first, I soon recognized how much needless worry I had been dragging around when I put my personal serenity first.

6. Accept Peace and Steadiness:

Overcoming a drama addiction requires learning to value serenity. A life devoid of turmoil may initially seem strange or even "boring," but eventually you get to appreciate stability's beauty.

I used to believe that excitement came from emotional highs and lows, but nowadays I find happiness in quiet times—reading a book, having meaningful talks, and just taking in life without needless stress.

Read More