I pretend I’m fine but I’m so tired of being the “strong one” all the time

I don’t even know how to say this without sounding dramatic but I’m exhausted. Everyone sees me as the one who “has it together.” The problem solver. The go to friend. The one who listens and gives advice and never breaks down.

But the truth is I cry in the shower more than I’d ever admit. I bottle everything up because I feel like if I don’t, everything around me will fall apart. I can’t remember the last time someone asked me if I was okay and actually meant it.

I don’t want attention or pity. I just want a break. A moment where I don’t have to smile through the stress or act like I’m unfazed. It’s like I’ve built this image of being “strong” and now I’m trapped in it.

Sometimes I wish I could just disappear for a little while and come back when I’ve figured it all out. But life doesn’t work that way. So I keep going, keep pretending, and hope that maybe someday someone will see through the act and remind me that I don’t have to carry everything alone.

Just needed to get that off my chest.