I’ve been in my share of toxic relationships—ones where I didn’t respect myself enough to set boundaries or walk away from disrespect. I kept hoping this time would be different. But it never was.

Romantic relationships that were abusive. Friendships that were one-sided. But the hardest? Family—the people who should love you unconditionally.

When you don’t receive love, respect, or protection, you start believing it’s your fault. You change, you bend, trying to earn their love. But it never comes.

The hardest but most necessary decision I ever made was to walk away. And to this day, I still hear: “But they’re family!”

Family or not, if a relationship makes you question your worth, changes who you are, or forces you to shrink just to be accepted—it’s not just okay to leave, it’s essential.

The most freeing words I’ve ever spoken? “I’m done hoping you will ever love me—you don’t even love yourself.”

Because it’s not you. It’s them. And you deserve to be surrounded by people who bring out the best in you.

Life is too short to beg for love. When you love yourself, your people will find you.

~ Michelle Budiwski

March 22, 2025

#Healing #SelfLove #WalkAway #KnowYourWorth #ToxicRelationships #FamilyIsntAnExcuse #Boundaries #ProtectYourPeace