About this quote

Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option. Holding space for someone who treats you as optional wastes time and chips away at your self-respect. Set firm boundaries, name what you will accept, and stop rearranging your life to fit someone who won't meet you halfway. Take responsibility for your time and choices — walk away when the balance is one-sided and focus on people who match your commitment.

When to use it

• A friend only reaches out when they need a favor; stop saying yes every time and invest in relationships that give back.
• A partner cancels plans repeatedly; tell them your limit, and if it happens again, don't reschedule for them automatically.
• At work, a colleague expects you to cover their tasks but never returns the favor; stop taking on extra work that hurts your priorities.
• Before you keep chasing someone who barely responds, ask if you would accept the same treatment from them; if not, step back.