what i'm leaving behind in 2025

hey zesties 🍋

as 2025 is coming to an end, i’ve been doing a lot of reflecting. and i realised how much i’ve changed this year mentally (still working on physically 😂)

this year, i’m leaving behind the need to hold onto people just because of what, our long history? or forcing one sided conversations that no longer feel natural. i used to think effort meant loyalty, but i’ve learned that if it costs your peace, it’s not worth it ☝️

i’m also leaving behind friendships that made me feel more upset than happy. “friends” who drained me emotionally, only showed up when it was convenient, or worse, when money was involved 💸 (yeh that was BAD BAD) it took me a long time to realise that not everyone around me genuinely wanted the best for me, or could truly be happy for me. and to that, i say: bye bye, felicia 👋😌 and i say this because there were friendships i stayed for a long time not because they were healthy, but because of time. things like shared memories and inside jokes, kept me going

but listen real close now: a good friendship isn’t defined by how long you’ve known each other. it’s defined by whether they bring you joy and peace, respect your boundaries, and show up with genuine care

2025 taught me that not everyone is meant to stay, and that’s okay! i’ve learned to be comfortable with letting go. some people were meant for a season, a version of me, or a chapter that’s already closed. i’m also leaving behind the pressure to keep a big circle and stay connected just for the sake of familiarity. maybe that’s meaningful to some, but to me it’s just a bunch of meaningless exchanges. at the end of the day, if something really happens, i know who’ll actually have my back, and that’s why i’m choosing my few, tight, close knit friends 🫶

so yeah… i’m ending this year with a seriously reduced social circle LOL but honestly? zero ragrets 😂

my question to whoever’s reading this: what’s one thing you’re leaving behind this year? 😌✨

feel free to give these a read too!

👉 how i wake up early w/o hating myself lol

👉 honest thoughts as a small creator in 🇸🇬

👉 in my 20s but still scared to do things alone

👉 why i don't care about birthdays like i used to

👉 get to know me!

#MyPOV #GirlTalk #RealTalk #diarylemon8 #friendshipadvice

2025/12/20 Edited to

... Read moreReflecting on my experience of leaving friendships behind in 2025, I've realized that maintaining relationships demands more than history or convenience—it requires mutual respect and authentic care. One challenge I faced was when my friends entered relationships; their priorities shifted, and the bond felt less natural. It was difficult to accept this change without feeling abandoned. What helped me was understanding that not all friendships are meant to last forever. Some are seasonal, playing a vital role in certain chapters of our lives but not necessarily walking with us throughout our entire journey. Learning to let go of friendships that no longer support my wellbeing was empowering. It wasn’t just about cutting ties—it was about reclaiming my peace and emotional energy. If you find yourself struggling with the pressure to maintain a large social circle or feeling drained by one-sided conversations, remember that choosing quality over quantity matters. Close-knit, supportive friends who respect your boundaries are priceless. Don’t be afraid to say goodbye to connections that feel toxic or superficial. In 2026, I plan to focus on cultivating friendships that bring joy, respect, and positivity. The process is ongoing, but each step brings more clarity and peace. What I’m leaving behind this year is not just friends but the pressure to conform to social expectations. It’s about honoring my mental health and choosing myself first. This reflection has helped me feel content with a smaller social circle, and I hope my story encourages you to evaluate your relationships honestly. Remember—your peace is worth protecting, and sometimes, that means leaving familiar but unhealthy connections behind.

3 comments

Andrea Lim's images
Andrea Lim

for me is perhaps is I really literally have no one

MinghuiLovePenguin's images
MinghuiLovePenguin

I think is seeing who r my real ‘friends’ when I m in hot soup. Like I know I can count on them when I m in trouble and vice versa.

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