We’ve all heard the advice: “Just cut them out.” And when it’s possible? Do it. Life is too short to be dragged down by toxic energy. But what if the person draining you is your boss? A parent? A sibling? A colleague you see every day?

Sometimes, walking away isn’t realistic—at least not right away. In those situations, boundaries become your lifeline, and self-preservation becomes an art.

Gaslighting is a deeply disorienting form of emotional abuse. It distorts your perception of reality, makes you question your memories, and chips away at your ability to trust yourself.

Here’s the truth: You are not broken. You were manipulated. And you can heal.

Subtle abuse—also known as covert abuse or invisible abuse—can wear down a person’s sense of self over time. It’s a pattern of behavior that controls, manipulates, or diminishes another person, often under the guise of care or concern.

If asking for help feels excruciating for you—if it stirs up all kinds of worthlessness and guilt—I see you. I’m with you. And I’m reminding both of us right now: you are not a burden. You are a human being.

In this current climate—where messages of “not enough” are woven into media, policies, and even our personal relationships—I hope each and every one of you reading this knows, deep down, that you have value. You are worthwhile. You are needed.

Being part of the LGBTQIA+ community is an act of resilience, particularly when living in a state or country that doesn’t accept you. In many parts of the world, the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights is still ongoing, and individuals in these regions often find themselves at the intersection of discrimination, fear, and isolation. Yet, despite these challenges, the strength and unity within the LGBTQIA+ community continues to shine.

In recent years, discussions about gender have become more prominent, yet for many, the concept of gender beyond the traditional male and female binary remains confusing. This post aims to provide a foundational understanding of gender, addressing the idea that it is far more nuanced than many of us were taught. To help explain these complexities, we’ll reference the "Genderbread Person," a widely recognized and accessible model created by Sam Killermann.

Throughout history, societal norms have systematically silenced women when they attempt to voice discomfort or objection to inappropriate treatment. This suppression isn’t just an artifact of the past but persists in subtle, often insidious forms in modern society. Women are frequently encouraged—both explicitly and implicitly—to tolerate behavior that disrespects their boundaries rather than confront it.

Extroversion isn’t just about being outgoing or enjoying parties. At its core, it’s a personality trait defined by how we derive energy. While introverts recharge by spending time alone, extroverts thrive on external stimulation—and most often, that comes from being around other people.