DREIESKIVA​|Roald Kvam

You don’t have to do this alone

When life changes, our relationships often do too. It’s a quiet truth many people feel—but few speak about. In the process of reconnecting with yourself, new needs may emerge. New boundaries. A deeper longing for genuine connection. And meeting that requires courage.

We are shaped in relationship with others. That’s why much of your inner development also unfolds through the relationships around you. But not all connections are nourishing. Some relationships build us up, offering energy and support. Others drain us, confuse us, or keep us stuck in old patterns. Learning to navigate this is an essential part of any growth journey.

Relationships in transition

As you grow, your relationships will inevitably shift. That’s natural. You may notice that certain people no longer meet you in the way you need. Some might resist your boundaries or question your new choices. You may feel more alone—or more free.

This isn’t unusual. Change challenges the familiar. But it also gives you an opportunity—to take an honest look at your relationships and ask:

• Who supports me—for who I am now?
• Who tries to hold me back in old roles?
• With whom can I be fully myself?

These questions help you sort through your connections and begin building a support network that reflects the life you want to move into.

Setting boundaries—Without guilt

Boundaries aren’t about pushing people away. They’re about protecting what’s true for you. As you get to know yourself more deeply, you’ll begin to notice where your boundaries have been unclear, invisible—or entirely absent.

Setting boundaries can feel uncomfortable at first, especially if you’re used to adapting to others or prioritizing their needs above your own. But boundaries are a profound form of self-care. They say: “This matters to me.” And they open the door to more honest and equal relationships.

Not everyone will understand. Some may step back. But often, your most meaningful relationships will adapt—and grow—when you begin to stand more firmly in yourself.

Being more yourself with others

Many of us move through life wearing subtle “masks.” Perhaps you’ve been the responsible one, the strong one, the funny one, the one who always has it together. But over time, these roles can become confining. They limit what’s really moving inside you.

Change gives you the opportunity to begin again. Not necessarily with new people—but with a new way of meeting them. A way where you allow yourself to be more honest, more open, more you.

It might look like:

• Saying how you really feel
• Expressing your needs without apologizing for them
• Showing vulnerability—and allowing others to come closer

This isn’t something you have to master overnight. It’s a practice. An invitation to more authentic connection—and deeper belonging.

Opening yourself to support

No one grows alone. That’s why it’s so important to consider what support you actually have—and what you need. Maybe you’ve tried to carry everything yourself for a long time. Maybe you’ve been afraid to ask for help. But there’s no weakness in saying, “I need someone.”

In fact, it’s a strength to be able to receive. To seek connection. To build relationships with people who see you, understand you, and uplift you.

Ask yourself:

• Who in my life can I lean on a little more right now?
• Are there communities I can explore—groups, circles, conversations?
• How can I stay open to new relationships that align with who I’m becoming?

Inviting support is not just a gift to yourself—it’s a doorway to new levels of connection, trust, and human warmth.

Communication and belonging – An inner journey

Many of the challenges we face in relationships come down to communication—misunderstandings, unspoken expectations, unmet needs. That’s why becoming aware of how you express yourself—and how you listen—is essential.

You can reflect on questions like:

• How do I communicate—honestly, clearly, and with respect for myself and others?
• What role do I tend to take in relationships—and why?
• How can I deepen my sense of belonging—both with myself and others?

The clearer you are about what you need, and the more honest you are in how you engage with others, the easier it becomes to find the relationships that truly support you.

You deserve real connection

Relationships are not just social ties. They are mirrors. They help us understand who we are—and who we are becoming. That’s why it’s so important to surround yourself with people who see you, support you, and inspire you to be more of yourself.

You don’t need many. Maybe just one. But you do need people who want the best for you—and who can hold space for the growth you’re in.

So take an honest look at who’s around you.

And remember: you’re allowed to say no. You’re allowed to say yes. And you’re allowed to build relationships that offer nourishment, strength, and safety—right here, right now.