In this season of my life, l'm choosing people who choose me, prioritizing those who value our connection, and making space for nourishing reciprocal relationships. Over the years, I've come to realize that I've often been a friend to others, but they haven't always been a friend to me. I no longer consider that a bad thing or take it personally. One of the greatest lessons l've learned is that you can't force alignment, and sometimes, the connections we think we have are simply misaligned. There may be times when our definition of friendship and support is different from someone else's. What has helped me most in creating my (small) circle of aligned relationships is having clear, honest conversations about our needs and expectations and ensuring we have the capacity to meet them. Embracing this approach helps me cultivate mutually enriching and genuine connections. It allows me to invest in relationships based on mutual respect and understanding, ensuring we both feel valued. Reciprocity and intentionality create a support system that fosters emotional well-being, encourages personal growth, and can enhance our quality of life.