"They Wore Smiles but Carried Knives".

 "Some hearts wear masks made of gold, but behind the shine, they’re cold. Not every kind word is kind—some are just well-practiced lies."

As we move through life, exploring new places and meeting different people, we form connections—some lasting, some fleeting. In the beginning, many seem kind, loyal, and genuine. They say all the right things, make you feel seen, and show you a version of themselves that seems safe. But over time, some of those familiar faces begin to change. Slowly, subtly, they reveal their true selves. And that’s when it hits you—some people were never who they pretended to be.

It’s a painful realization, especially when it comes from those you love the most. Imagine your own loved ones—people you trusted—starting to see you in a negative light. Every little thing you do annoys them. They think they’re always right, never stopping to consider that maybe they’re the ones in the wrong. They don’t just misunderstand you—they start to enjoy your discomfort. They’ll watch you struggle, lose confidence, cry, and slowly disconnect from everything that once brought you joy.

It changes who you are. If you were once full of energy, open and outgoing, you might retreat inward. If you were already quiet, you might shut down completely. You stop sharing, stop feeling safe, and start wondering if it’s even worth being yourself anymore. And the worst part? No one seems to notice. You're going through hell, and somehow, it's invisible to everyone.

This isn’t limited to new people or casual relationships—it can happen in your own home. Sometimes the ones closest to you, even family, wear masks. They act sweet and supportive in public, but in private, they show you a completely different version of themselves. Two-faced people have a way of making you feel like you’re the problem. They play both sides—kind to others, cruel to you.

You may try to cope by mirroring them, by putting on a fake smile or pretending it doesn’t hurt. But deep down, you know that’s not who you are. You can’t fake it like they do. And when they push you to the edge, when you finally break down in front of them, they feel nothing. Your pain becomes a joke. Your emotions, a burden. Once they’ve taken all they can from you, they’re ready to walk away—like you never mattered at all.

At first, you don’t want to believe it. You tell yourself not everyone is the same. But slowly, experience teaches you otherwise. A few people might be loyal, yes—but many will only stay as long as it benefits them. When they’re done, they’ll leave you with the mess, acting like they were never part of it. And if you keep letting it break you, you start believing you're the issue. You question your worth. You start hating yourself for not being “enough,” forgetting that the real problem was never you—it was them.

Some people will see the real you and love you for it. Others will never get past their own bitterness to recognize your light. The key is learning the difference. Stop letting their treatment define you. Stop thinking you deserve the pain they’ve caused. You don’t. You never did. Don’t let them distance you from yourself. Instead, start distancing yourself from them.

Even if your mind clings to them, listen to your heart. If it tells you to walk away—walk. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. You deserve peace, not people who thrive off your silence. You deserve love that doesn’t come with conditions or expectations. Let them hate if they want to, but never let them control your story. The moment you start standing tall, they’ll realize they lost the best version of you.

This is your life. Take it back. Change doesn’t come when you wait—it comes when you decide that you’ve had enough. Let go of the ones who never saw your worth. Reclaim your peace, your power, and your voice. Once you start living on your terms, no one will dare to mess with you again.

"Some storms come to clear your path, not drown you. Let their absence be the calm you were searching for all along."