I’m exhausted from feeling like an afterthought in my friendships. I don’t expect to be invited to everything or be anyone’s top priority. I just want to feel like sometimes someone thinks of me without me having to remind them I exist. I’m tired of asking what everyone’s doing, finding out people are together, or basically having to invite myself. I know people reach out to me, but sometimes it feels like it’s because they need something, want to vent, or it’s just convenient. There’s a difference between being contacted and actually feeling thought of. Not trying to ice anyone out or punish anybody. I’m just done putting more effort into friendships than I feel like I’m getting back. Honestly, I don’t want a friendship where I have to pull away before someone notices me. I want people to reach out and include me when everything is fine, not only when they notice I’m gone. I’m tired of chasing inclusion. I just want friendships where the effort is mutual. Is that too much to ask?