Stay away from people who can’t wait to see you step into danger, but never rejoice in your survival. These are the ones who treat your survival like
Stay away from people who can’t wait to see you step into danger, but never rejoice in your survival. These are the ones who treat your survival like a sideshow — clapping when you “pull off another trick,” urging you to perform like some Evil Knievel, but never showing gratitude, love, or care for the wounds you carry.
This is not support. It is exploitation.
These are the same dynamics we see when pimps treat men, women, and children as commodities.
The same way some people treat Black Americans — expected to survive, endure, and perform resilience while others hijack the victory and take the credit for battles they did not fight.
The same way families put endless burdens on the “strong one,” draining them until there is nothing left.
They will boost you up like a sexual exploiter whispering “you’re number one” — as long as you keep performing. And when you stop? They shame you, like a child abuser does when you refuse to keep their secret. “Shame on you.” “You disappoint me.” They turn cruel when you finally say no, when you protect yourself, when you refuse to hand them every last ounce of your strength.
But there is a difference between people who use Survivors and people who love Survivors.
The ones who love you — they are glad for your safety. They are thrilled when you thrive. They are joyful when you are whole, not just when you are wounded and forced to prove your worth again. They do not hunger for your destruction just so they can marvel at your recovery.
Survivors, hear me: You are not a survival doll. You are not here to be tested, drained, or displayed.
You deserve people who are grateful for your survival — not entertained by it. You deserve people who want you safe, joy-filled, thriving, and free.