Hey guys, it’s Tina. Pull up a chair, grab a snack (and maybe a glass of wine, because we’re going there today), and let’s talk about the specific type of exhaustion that comes with being a “genuine person.”
I saw a quote today that hit me so hard I actually had to put my phone face down on the bed and stare at the ceiling for a solid five minutes. It basically said: “I don’t like people who do me wrong when all I did was be genuine and give love… that makes me hate everyone for real.”
And honestly? Whew. If that isn’t the mood of the century.
The Unspoken Rulebook of Being Genuine
Have you ever felt like you’re playing a game where you’re the only one who actually read the rulebook? You show up, you’re honest, you give your energy, you listen to the three-hour vent sessions about their “toxic ex,” and you genuinely want the best for people. You’re out here being a whole ray of sunshine, and what do you get in return?
Usually, a storm cloud and a bill for the sunshine.
Over-Contributing to a Closed Account
It’s that moment when you realize the person you’ve been holding space for wouldn’t even hold a door open for you. It’s a special kind of sting. It’s not just about being “mad”—it’s about that deep, internal sigh where you realize you’ve been over-contributing to a bank account that’s been closed for months.
The Empty Threat of the “Villain Era”
The funniest (and by funny, I mean “I want to laugh so I don’t scream”) part is how we react when we finally get “done wrong.”
My immediate reaction is always: “That’s it. I’m retiring. Tina is closed for business. I am becoming a villain. From now on, I will only respond in one-word texts and I will never share my fries again.” I spend about forty-eight hours convinced I’m going into my “reputation era.” I start imagining myself being cold and mysterious. But then, a week later, someone looks slightly sad near me and I’m already asking, “Omg are you okay? Do you need a hug? I have snacks!”
It’s a curse, I tell you. A curse!
Understanding Betrayal Fatigue
When the quote says it makes you “hate mfs fr,” it’s not that we actually want to become hermits (though a cabin in the woods with 12 dogs is looking better every day). It’s that betrayal fatigue.
- The Emotional Math: You gave 100 worth of love and got back 0.05 and a headache. The math isn’t mathing.
- The Guard Rails: Every time someone does you wrong after you were nothing but sweet, a new brick goes up on your “protection wall.” Pretty soon, you’re living in a fortress and wondering why it’s so lonely.
- The Self-Doubt: You start wondering if being “genuine” is actually just a fancy word for being a “doormat.” (Spoiler alert: It’s not, but it feels like it when people wipe their muddy boots on your soul).
Protecting Your Peace Without Changing Who You Are
If you’re feeling like me today—a little bit bitter, a little bit tired, and a whole lot of “over it”—just remember this: Their inability to handle your genuine heart is a “them” problem, not a “you” problem.
Don’t let some people who don’t know how to act make you lose the best parts of yourself. Take a break. Go ghost for a weekend. Protect your peace. But don’t let the “mfs” win by turning you into someone as cold as they are.
We’re staying genuine. We’re staying loving. We’re just maybe… vetting the guest list a little better next time.
Anyway, I’m going to go eat my feelings and pretend I don’t have a phone for the next three hours. Love you guys (the ones who act right, at least)!