Things I No Longer Explain

Linn House, Scotland

A reflection on boundaries, maturity, and the quiet confidence that comes with letting others misunderstand you — and being at peace with that.

I used to believe that confronting was better than carrying conflict.I now realize that what I was really trying to avoid was being misunderstood.

As I’ve grown older, and more settled in who I am, I’ve become comfo

rtable with my choices — and equally comfortable with what others may, or may not, think of them.

That comfort has changed the way I move through conversations.I no longer feel the need to complete them.There is no urgency to clarify, correct, or convince.

No need to explain my choice of white wine.I will simply enjoy it.

Lately, I’ve also found myself more at ease placing pauses on relationships — partnerships, friendships — allowing them to flourish, remain still, or quietly come to an end.

This does not come from arrogance. Quite the opposite.

It comes from a gentler place — one that no longer wishes to feel exhausted, drained, or pessimistic in the pursuit of understanding.

Some relationships may be revisited one day.They may be picked up where they were left off — or not.And neither requires explanation.

Silence, too, needs none.

Let it remain unspoken.

Let the world interpret, speculate, gossip, or guess —while you keep your peace.