I feel like a bother sometimes

idk this isn’t supposed to be too deep but sometimes i feel like a bother to others. like ill text them or talk to them about stuff and then they’ll suddenly go offline or act disinterested and then ill feel bad for taking up their time.

i just wanna know if its normal or am i overthinking things here

Once in a while can confide w a fren but not all the time. Ppl dont like it n r busy w their lives. I always just chatgpt my problems as the first layer firsr then talk to ppl who r open to chating about problems, but i try not to

Hello @manda1 :wave:t2:!

It is totally normal to experience this emotion occasionally, particularly if you are an individual who prioritises relationships and strives to be considerate of others. It appears that you are extremely considerate; however, it is also effortless to overthink these circumstances and make the most improbable assumptions.

The truth is that individuals who appear disinterested or go offline do not necessarily indicate that you are a nuisance. They may be preoccupied, distracted, or preoccupied with their own affairs, and it is irrelevant to you. It is effortless to internalise these moments; however, this does not imply that you are engaging in any improper behaviour by communicating or expressing yourself.

However, your emotions are legitimate, and it is permissible to exercise caution in your interactions with others. Additionally, it is important to bear in mind that relationships are reciprocal. Even if they are unable to respond precisely, the individuals who are concerned about you appreciate your communication. Your voice and presence are significant, and you are not a nuisance simply because you wish to establish a connection.

You are making an effort to be kind to yourself, and your mind is attempting to safeguard you by overthinking. It is permissible to relinquish some control and to have faith that you are sufficient in your current state.

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Hey @manda1 , your feelings are super valid and I can relate. I always find it super awkward to continue with the conversation after they went online.

What I usually do is talk to them in real life or call them instead as compared to texting. I would give them a heads up first like ‘Can I have 10 minutes of your time when you are free to call?’ and being my friends, they know that this means - I need them to listen and be there and they are always willing to listen to my concerns. Then for the next 10mins or so, I went on a rapid fire hahaha

Anyway, TMI is that I am like you too, very considerate of others - don’t want to trauma dump them, they have better things to do, etc which led to me feeling like I shouldn’t talk to them about my issues. I can figure it out myself etc. Then after having serious talks with my friends, I realised that if I don’t talk to them about my issues, they won’t talk to me about their issues too. This is because by doing so, it feels like I was the one drawing boundaries, indicating that the friend doesn’t provide me a safe space to speak up hence the friend also wouldn’t want to speak up and it’s not great for the friendship moving forward.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should open up to every friend in the world that you know. Only open up to people who makes you feel safe to do so :slight_smile:

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Hi @manda1

Thank you for reaching out! Please know that what you are experiencing is surprisingly common. I believe that it’s only human to misread or interpret others’ behavior: I have come to realise that offline or disinterested responses might not be about us.

May I share that fear of being a burden can arise from anxiety about social interactions.

Sometimes rumination on others’ reactions can amplify feelings of being a bother.

It may be helpful to know that their behaviours could be attributed to:

  1. Others’ busy lives: Friends might be preoccupied with personal issues, work, or family.
  2. Different communication styles: Some people might not respond immediately or thoroughly.

May I suggest you consider these:

  1. Communicate openly: Ask friends if everything’s okay or if they’re busy.
  2. Set boundaries: Respect others’ time and space.
  3. Focus on supportive relationships: Nurture connections with people who respond positively.
  4. Practice self-compassion: Remind yourself that your feelings and needs are valid.

Do take heart that you are not alone in feeling this way. Sometimes it takes a while to understand others’ behaviour and patterns. Let them be, and focus on what you can control. :heart:

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Hey @manda1 , I totally get how you’re feeling—it’s hard not to overthink when it feels like someone isn’t fully there in a conversation. But honestly, it’s probably not personal. Everyone’s got their own stuff going on, and sometimes people just don’t have the mental space to respond the way you’d expect. It doesn’t mean they don’t care, though.

It’s completely normal to feel this way, but please don’t let it stop you from sharing when you need to. Reaching out is so important, and you deserve to have support when things are on your mind. Sometimes the timing might be off, or the person might be distracted, but that doesn’t mean your thoughts or feelings aren’t valid.

Keep being you, and don’t be afraid to connect with others—you’re not a bother for wanting that connection or help. You matter, and it’s okay to lean on others when you need it. :blush:

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Hey @manda1,

I really appreciate you trusting me enough to share what you’re feeling. It’s completely normal to have those thoughts sometimes. Your feelings are valid, and the desire to connect with people is a natural part of relationships. It’s okay to reach out, and if someone seems disinterested, it may not be a reflection of you, but rather something going on in their own life.

You deserve to feel heard and valued, so don’t hesitate to express how you feel. I’m here if you want to talk more about it!

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It just means you’re too free. :stuck_out_tongue:

Go busy yourself with a new hobby. Then you’ll be the one ignoring everyone else and figuring out what you spend time on.