What first comes to mind when you hear the phrase “taken for granted“?

Being used?

Being taken advantage of?

Not appreciated for what you are there for, have to offer, and can do?

Sometimes we don’t realize it, or when we do, we turn a blind eye on it – especially if it was someone close to us. It usually happens when we depend our happiness on another person or we please them in any way we can so that they can be happy – but they don’t acknowledge your effort.

I’ve been in that situation for thousands of times in a variety of situations. Love life-wise, both guys took me for granted. Friends and so-called best friends did the same thing to me.

I’m there for them when they need me. I drop everything I do, give them my time, listen to them, give them hugs, give them advice when they ask for it. But when I talk, when I’m not okay, they feign listening to me then talk about themselves whether or not I’m done talking.

That made me question myself. Made me think I’m never good enough, no matter what I do.. made me think I didn’t give my all.. made me feel like I was always second best..

But it comes to the point where we’re too hurt and don’t want to tolerate it anymore.

I don’t give favors to people who don’t actually make an effort to get to know and respect and love and care about me anymore. Call me cold, heartless, snob, etc. I don’t care. I’m good to people who are good to me and I’ll love you more than a friend if you know how to appreciate me, for I’m the type of person who cultivates friendships that will last for a long time.

Realize that you can’t please everyone. Your world doesn’t revolve around someone. If they can’t appreciate you, you’re better off without them, because they don’t deserve the love, care, and effort you give them. Be thankful that once in your life, you’ve touched their lives. Your happiness is in your hands. Don’t second guess yourself. Live, love, laugh. Their loss, not yours.

I hope whoever reads this get enlightened and learned from my experience. And this is my art of becoming happy 🙂

Here’s a parting quote for this entry:

Always remember: You are smart enough and beautiful enough to never be taken for granted and to never be anyone’s second best.