I’ve learned something the hard way—something they don’t teach you in school or talk about in those fake-ass motivational posts. I can tolerate a ridiculous amount of bullshit. Emotional manipulation. Fake friendships. Gaslighting. Disrespect masked as “just being honest.” The silent treatments. The betrayals. The letdowns. I’ve eaten it all with a forced smile, telling myself “it’s not that deep,” trying to be the bigger person while my soul was choking on the weight of it.

But here's the truth that changed my life:

I don’t fxcking have to.

I don’t have to carry pain that’s not mine.

I don’t have to keep the peace when it’s costing me my sanity.

I don’t have to accept apologies with no change.

I don’t have to keep inviting people to my table who show up empty-handed and entitled.

There comes a moment when your tolerance becomes your prison—and your silence becomes the weapon used against you. That moment is your wake-up call. And when it rings? You either answer it, or you keep living the same damn loop.

I answered it.

And I’ve been cleaning house ever since.

Respect is no longer optional.

Peace is no longer negotiable.

My energy is no longer up for grabs.

So yes—I can tolerate a mountain of bullshit. But I’ve finally realized I’m not obligated to carry a single ounce of it.

Read that again.

—j. anthony