I went through a phase in campus where I felt like everyone around me was just pretending to care. At first, I thought I had found a solid group of friends—we’d hang out, laugh, and even study together. But over time, I started noticing that when things got tough or I needed support, they disappeared. They only showed up when it was convenient for them or when they needed something. It made me question whether I was the problem, and that feeling of doubt really messed with my confidence. Eventually, I stopped chasing connections that felt one-sided. I started focusing more on myself—my goals, my peace, and the few people who genuinely checked in without needing something in return. It hurt letting go of people I thought were close, but it also gave me room to find more honest friendships, even if they were fewer. Sometimes in campus, people are just trying to survive, so they fake it for comfort or gain. But learning to spot that early saves you from constant disappointment.

I went through a phase in campus where I felt like everyone around me was just pretending to care. At first, I thought I had found a solid group of friends—we’d hang out, laugh, and even study together. But over time, I started noticing that when things got tough or I needed support, they disappeared. They only showed up when it was convenient for them or when they needed something. It made me question whether I was the problem, and that feeling of doubt really messed with my confidence. Eventually, I stopped chasing connections that felt one-sided. I started focusing more on myself—my goals, my peace, and the few people who genuinely checked in without needing something in return. It hurt letting go of people I thought were close, but it also gave me room to find more honest friendships, even if they were fewer. Sometimes in campus, people are just trying to survive, so they fake it for comfort or gain. But learning to spot that early saves you from constant disappointment.