You can't pour from an empty cup. And no, coffee doesn't count.

You know the airplane speech — your own mask first, then help others. You've heard it so often it slides right off. But look at your week: everyone got a piece of you except you.

Here's the thing nobody says out loud: running on empty isn't a personality trait, and it isn't love. It's just running on empty. The people you're pouring for don't get the best of you — they get the fumes. Snappy you. Doom-scrolling-at-midnight you. "I'm fine" you.

Rest is not a reward you earn once everyone else is sorted. That day never comes — auntie has checked.

So refill like you mean it. Not bubble baths and slogans — actual fuel: sleep you protect, food that isn't eaten standing up, ten minutes that belong to nobody, saying no to one thing this week. Small, boring, on purpose.

Looking after yourself isn't selfish. It's maintenance on the person everyone's depending on.