Have you ever felt the sting of betrayal from someone you once called a friend? It’s a gut-wrenching feeling, one that shakes the foundation of everything you thought you knew about trust, loyalty, and connection. In today’s world, where everything moves so quickly and connections often feel shallow, finding people who genuinely support and stand by you through thick and thin is becoming increasingly rare. And let me tell you, I’ve felt that struggle deeply.

It’s not easy to admit that someone you once thought would be there for you — someone you’ve shared laughs, tears, and countless memories with — can so quickly turn their back on you. But that’s exactly what happened to me recently. It wasn’t a one-time thing; it was a series of moments where I thought I had a solid support system, only to realize I was standing alone.

When I reflect on this, I wonder why it has become so difficult for people to be truly there for each other. Why has the world shifted into this place where superficial connections are enough for most people, and the deep, meaningful bonds we once valued seem harder to come by?

In my case, I had a friend who I thought I could rely on. We had shared so many moments, celebrated milestones, and helped and supported each other (At least that’s what I thought). I considered this person a part of my inner circle, someone who had my back no matter what. But suddenly things started changing, it was like this person just started drifting away and started maintaining a distance while I was left standing there, looking around in confusion. The same friend, who I thought would offer a shoulder to lean on, was now supporting others in ways that made me feel invisible, as if I didn’t even matter.

It was heartbreaking. The sting of realizing that someone who once promised to be there for you was now actively working against you, making you feel small and unworthy. It felt like a slap in the face. It was a painful reminder of how fragile human connections can be, and how quickly people can change when they no longer see your value or serve their own interests.

I couldn’t help but think of the frog story. You know the one — the frog who tries to climb out of a well, only to be pushed down by others who are too afraid to rise above their own limitations. It’s a story that stuck with me because it felt so much like my own situation. Here I was, struggling to keep going, to rise above the negativity, only to be dragged down by the very people I thought was my friend.

But here’s the truth: Those people who try to bring you down are not worth your energy. They may look like friends, but when they show their true colors — when they choose to lift others at your expense — it’s time to walk away. And trust me, I’m learning that the hard way. It doesn’t make it any less painful, but it does make me stronger.

Sometimes I wonder if it’s just me, or if the world really has changed that much. It’s like people are so caught up in their own lives, their own success, that they forget what it means to truly be there for someone else. We’ve become a society where likes and comments replace genuine connection, and where loyalty is no longer a priority. It’s easier to turn your back on someone than to support them through thick and thin, and that, to me, is one of the saddest things about the way things are now.

Maybe it’s my recent experiences that have shaped this outlook, but it’s hard not to feel disillusioned. Still, I refuse to let this bitter reality define me. I am a fighter, and no matter how many times I’m knocked down, I will continue to rise. I will keep pushing forward, keep doing good in the world, and keep spreading positivity. I don’t expect anything in return for my kindness and compassion. I don’t need validation or support from people who are only around for namesake.

I choose to seek the blessings of the people who truly matter — the ones who have been there for me, who have stood by my side, and who continue to support me despite the odds. They are the ones who remind me that there is still goodness in the world. And most importantly, I seek the blessings of the Almighty, who guides me through these tough times, helps me stay grounded, and gives me the strength to keep going.

To those who have supported me, who have believed in me even when things were tough — thank you. You are the true treasures in my life, and I will never take you for granted. To those who have tried to bring me down, who have stabbed me in the back, and who have chosen to turn their backs on me — keep watching. I will rise, I will conquer, and I will keep chasing my dreams. You may feel jealous, you may feel threatened, but your negativity will never stop me.

So, if you’re reading this and you’ve experienced something similar — betrayal, hurt, disappointment from people you once trusted — know that you’re not alone. It’s painful, it’s confusing, and it’s heartbreaking. But don’t let it break you. Use it as fuel to rise above, to keep going, and to find the people who truly matter. You are worthy of real connections, of true friendships, and of love that is unconditional. And most importantly, you don’t need to lower your standards to fit in with people who don’t truly support you.

Keep going. Keep being you. And let your good deeds speak for themselves. Because in the end, it’s not about the people who come and go, it’s about the legacy you leave and the positive energy you put into the world.