April 25, 2025
by Riley Anne Carter

Back in high school, I had this guy who was basically my best friend. We were inseparable — always laughing, always there for each other. Somewhere along the way, I started to like him. More than just a friend. But I never had the guts to tell him.

After we graduated, we stayed close for a couple more years. At least, for a while. Once the new academic year started and we weren’t in the same classes anymore, things started to change. He began pulling away — always saying he was “busy” whenever I tried to reach out. Messages left on read, quick brush-offs, empty promises to “catch up soon.”

And yet, every now and then, he’d randomly text like nothing had changed. Ask how I was, suggest we hang out. I’d get my hopes up, text back excitedly… only to be left on read again. It hurt more than I wanted to admit.

He told me he deleted his Instagram because he was “getting addicted” to it. I believed him — until recently when I found out he was replying to one of my friend’s stories like it was nothing.

I guess the truth is, if someone wants to talk to you, they will. If they want you in their life, they’ll make the effort. No excuses needed. It’s just hard realizing you cared so much more than they ever did.