The Silent Pain of Being Let Down.

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Disappointment is something we all face at some point in our lives. It's one thing to feel disappointed over a situation or missed opportunity, but then it hurts more when it comes from someone you trust or someone you never expected would let you down.

Trust, for me is actually a big deal and it is not something I give out easily. I’ve always been careful with it because i know that once it’s broken, it’s hard to piece it back together. But like most people, I once made the mistake of believing someone would not let me down —until they did.

I am naturally this kind of person who doesn’t think twice before helping those around him, especially when it comes to my friends. If one of them need food from the cafeteria and they can’t go, I usually try to help them—even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient for me. I just believe in being there for them, especially when they need it. But a recent experience changed how I see things.

It was one of those evenings after playing football, and I was completely drained. My legs were tired and i was just weak. All I wanted was to shower, lay on my bed and rest for a while. But then hunger had other plans. I realized I hadn’t eaten and it was getting close to the hostel curfew which was actually 9pm. I knew I couldn’t summon the strength to walk all the way to the cafeteria, so I thought, Why not ask someone to help me?

I turned to one of my roommates—someone who also a friend and i have helped countless times. I explained how weak I was to him and then i pleaded with him to help me get something to eat from the cafeteria since he was also going there. I even told him I’d send the money immediately. But to my surprise, he refused. Just like that. No hesitation, no consideration—just a flat-out no.

As much as that touched me deeply, I tried to understand. Maybe he wasn’t in the mood, maybe he was tired too or maybe he had other plans. But what broke me was what happened next.

Not long after I asked, another friend approached him and asked for the same favour. And without hesitation, he agreed to help him. That moment was actually the most painful part for me. I just sat there in silence, pretending not to notice, but inside, I was hurt—deeply. It wasn’t just about the food anymore. It was the realization that someone I felt was a good friend of mine had drawn a line, and I was clearly on the wrong side of it.

To be honest, I didn’t get any food that night from the cafeteria. But luckily, one of my other mates sells snacks, and drinks in the hostel, so I bought what I could from him. That was how I managed to sleep without going to bed completely hungry.

The lesson from that day stuck with me: never give your all to people who can’t give you a little when you need them the most. Since then, I’ve made a quiet decision—I no longer go out of my way for people who wouldn’t do the same for me. It’s not bitterness; it’s just wisdom born from pain. Because the truth is, being kind is good, but being kind to the wrong people will leave you empty.

So, if you’ve ever been disappointed by someone you trusted, you’re not alone. And even though it hurts, sometimes these disappointments come to teach us who truly belongs in our inner circle—and who doesn’t.

Thanks for reading.

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