When Friendship Isn't Really Friendship

Being guarded. Retreating into oneself. So afraid to let anyone in. The last time you did that you were told that you were basically ruining a friendship because of all your issues. You talked too much about everything going on in your life. You talked about it so much that it pushed away a really great friend. They were over it. They didn't want to hear anymore about how hurt you were. They didn't want your burdens unloaded on them anymore. Apparently the friendship was abused and tattered because you shared the on-goings of your life with a friend. The hurt caused by them shutting you down hurt even more than the initial hurt you had from the situation you were struggling with. Feeling as though you may have done this to multiple very good, close friends, you wonder if you've been pushing them away unknowingly as well, but they were too afraid to say it. It sucks to think of someone as a great friend only to have them shut you down and not talk to you for months on end and not even tell you why. That relationship has changed. I don't share much anymore for fear of being too needy and co-dependent (which I'm not). I keep most things to myself in fear of pushing others away. I'm a lot less trusting these days and for very good reason. This is a legitimate fear of mine now. It kinda sucks. The people you think you can trust to not hurt you, are the ones that usually do. The sting still stings though it's been a while. If you've been stung that way then you know exactly how it feels. Just remember to be your own best friend....or just talk to your dog! Dogs are the best.