ABLE

Being “able” can create a weird kind of tension, even between people who are meant to be friends. You’d think doing things for people you care about would build love, respect and loyalty… but sometimes it does the complete opposite. People can actually start to dislike you just because you can.

“They can do this for me, but I can’t do it for myself.”

“Why can they do so much for me, but I can’t do the same for them?”

Suddenly, your effort, your consistency, your ability, instead of being seen as showing love, starts showing someone their own inability to get things done. And when people don’t like what they see in that mirror, they project it back onto you. Suddenly you’re “doing too much,” or “moving funny,” when all you’ve done is show up.

It’s small things too. Being organised while they’re always running late. Staying home to study when they’re out partying. Getting along with other people when they can never seem to make friends. Helping out without asking for anything in return. All of it adds up in their mind. You’re not just helping, you’re highlighting gaps, and gaps are uncomfortable for some people to face.

The lack they carry inside them can turn into the very reason they start trying to show you up. Who could imagine that? Being helpful, caring and supportive can be the very reason you stop being friends. And yet, you can’t stop being you. You can’t stop being able.

It’s a strange kind of cost to pay for just being capable. But it’s a reality, the world doesn’t always celebrate ability, being able, even with the best intentions, comes with its own kind of vulnerability.

All because you were able.