When Silence Speaks Louder Than Words
So there’s this IG prompt going around asking, “Where were you this time last year?” It got me thinking. I started scrolling through my photo album and it’s wild how those pictures, memes, and even random screenshots of quotes can drop you right back into that exact headspace.
Thank GOD I can talk about it now without bursting out into tears.
I remember that day like it just happened. A couple of my coworkers reached out and met up with me. By then, I was already on paid leave and barred from walking back into the station I’d given so much of my heart to.
It felt good to see them—like maybe I wasn’t as alone in that storm as I thought. One of the guys snapped a picture while we were out. I posted my photo. He posted his. Different shots, but the same background. That’s all it took for the folks back at the station to put two and two together.
Not long after, I heard they’d been watching my page and questioning the ones who met up with me. Then came the subtle threat dressed up as advice: “It’s best if you don’t communicate with her anymore.”
And just like that… they disappeared.
One of those same coworkers even hit me up later asking for Anthony Hamilton tickets. I didn’t just get him tickets—I got him backstage passes. Then as soon as the dust settled, he cut me off too. SMH. People will do you dirty, but you have to keep moving, baby.
I can laugh about it now—like, really?
The Quiet Hurt of Betrayal
There’s something gut-punching about being cut off without a conversation, especially by people you once shared coffee breaks, and inside jokes with.
Sometimes it’s not the loud, obvious betrayals that sting the most. It’s the silence. The texts that never came. The friendships that evaporated as soon as things got complicated.
A Hard Lesson in Loyalty
Looking back, I can see it wasn’t really about me. It was fear. Fear of being associated with the one who spoke up. Fear of rocking the boat. But at the time, it felt personal.
I learned the hard way that not everyone who smiles with you in the break room will stand with you when it costs them something. And that’s okay. It hurts, but it’s also freeing to see where people truly stand.
Choosing Grace Anyway
As tempting as it was to hold a grudge, I had to let it go. Carrying their silence only weighed me down. I couldn’t heal if I was busy replaying what they should have done.
GOD taught me that sometimes He clears the room before He elevates you. Not everyone can go with you to the next chapter. Their exit isn’t your failure—it’s His protection.
Scripture to Hold On To
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” — Matthew 5:44
That verse stretched me thin, but it also kept me from becoming bitter. My prayers weren’t perfect or pretty, but they were honest.
If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of silent goodbyes, know this: it says more about them than it does about you. Keep walking forward. The ones meant to be in your life won’t need permission to stay.