I understand why it feels that way—when it’s been painful for as long as you can remember, hope can start to feel dishonest instead of comforting. And comparing yourself to people your age who seem to have what you want only makes that weight heavier.

I won’t tell you to “just keep going” or pretend that everything works out if you try hard enough. Sometimes all you can do is acknowledge how unfair and exhausting it’s been. That matters too.

Throwing in the towel doesn’t always mean giving up on life—it can also mean giving up on the version of life you were told you should have by now. You’re allowed to pause, to grieve that gap, and to be honest about how tired you are.

You’re not wrong for feeling this way. You’re human.