Sometimes, I find myself feeling irritated or annoyed when people use their iPhones while having lunch. I recall how I used to justify looking at my phone for work reasons during meal breaks or vacations, and now I understand why families or partners would complain about it. Every time I talk, they stop and glance at their phones, and while I initially brush it off, a part of me hesitates. I remind myself that they have to take calls or respond to texts because they are mostly family-oriented, while I am becoming “single.” I am learning to navigate this feeling of irritation and impatience.

Sometimes, I admit that I miss receiving sweet messages from Jenna, but I accept that it is part of my journey. It is a reminder of change and growth.

At work, I have also noticed how I interact with my coworkers. I caught myself constantly nodding while one worker told endless stories, as if they knew everything or dictated the way things should be. I feel obligated to tolerate and listen without commenting, even when I don’t agree. Praising this person feels unnatural to me, but I find myself doing it because I feel it is necessary. I have realized that keeping quiet and observing my coworkers is often the best strategy to maintain harmony in the workplace. I don’t want to jeopardize my work relationships, so I try to mask my irritation. At the same time, I debate with myself whether to show how I feel or keep it quiet. This is where I find myself struggling because I don’t want to lie to people and to myself anymore.

However, I have also noticed how exhausting it can be. My energy drains when certain people dominate conversations with their emotions and thoughts. Interestingly, I also enjoy listening to them because their words hold a certain depth. I am trying to balance these mixed emotions and understand how to navigate different kinds of people without letting my energy deplete.

Beyond work, I often feel the need to talk to someone. I realize how much I got used to sharing my day with Jenna when I came home. Now, that space feels empty, and I must learn how to deal with that void. Adjusting to this new reality is challenging, but I am committed to embracing the journey. I am learning, growing, and educating myself on how to handle these emotions as I move through this period of change.

How do you handle situations where you feel irritated or unheard? Do you find it challenging to balance expressing yourself with maintaining harmony in relationships? What strategies have helped you navigate difficult emotions and interactions?