You don't have to keep proving that your feelings are valid. 

By Oluwatomi Peters,        

Psychotherapist 

Sometimes, you can explain how their words hurt you.

You can explain what you needed.

You can explain why you became distant.

You can explain how their actions affected you.

And still, they choose not to understand.

That's when you have to realise that being understood is not always about explaining yourself better.

Some people hear your pain but are more interested in defending themselves than understanding you. Others may understand exactly what you're saying but simply don't want to take responsibility for how their actions affected you.

You don't have to keep proving that your feelings are valid.

Your pain doesn't become less real because someone refuses to acknowledge it.

Sometimes, healing means accepting that you may never get the apology, understanding, or acknowledgement you hoped for.

You can communicate your feelings without spending the rest of your life trying to convince someone to care about them.

Protect your peace. Set your boundaries. And give yourself permission to stop explaining.

If you've had to explain your pain over and over again, this is your reminder: you deserve relationships where you feel heard, respected, and emotionally safe.