"A veces levantas muros no para mantener a la gente fuera sino para ver quién se preocupa lo suficiente como para derribarlos."

We often build emotional barriers, not just to shield ourselves from hurt, but to figure out who truly cares about us. Picture this: you've had a rough patch—maybe a breakup or a fight with a close friend. Instinctively, you put up an emotional wall. You don’t respond to texts or calls, you cancel plans. On the surface, it seems like you’re pushing everyone away, but deep down, you're testing the waters. You want to see who values you enough to push through that barrier.

Historically speaking, this kind of behavior isn’t new. Even if we think back to literature and movies, characters frequently distance themselves during tough times. Think about Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye." Holden isolates himself and acts out, but what he really wants is for someone to see through his façade and reach out with genuine care.

Now, let's take a real-life example. Imagine Sarah. She’s been feeling overwhelmed at work, dealing with the stress of looming deadlines and demanding bosses. Instead of asking for help, she starts distancing herself from her friends and family. She stops replying to messages, avoids social gatherings, and becomes increasingly quiet. Her friend Jack notices. Rather than taking her silence personally, he decides to check in on her. He sends a simple message: “Hey, I’ve noticed you’ve been quiet lately. Just wanted to check in and see how you’re doing. Want to grab a coffee and chat?” Sarah, realizing someone cares enough to notice her withdrawal, finally feels safe enough to open up and share her struggles.

So, what’s the advice here? If you find yourself putting up walls, it's worthwhile to reflect on your motivations. Are you protecting yourself, or are you seeking reassurance that someone cares? On the flip side, if someone you care about starts distancing themselves, don’t automatically assume they want to be left alone. Sometimes, a little persistence shows them they matter.

Imagine you’re at a cozy coffee shop with a friend who’s been distant lately. You’ve noticed the change and felt hurt initially, but today you decided to reach out. As you both sit there, sipping your lattes, you gently bring it up. “I’ve missed hanging out with you. Is everything okay?” Your friend, initially hesitant, begins to unravel their feelings. They explain how they’ve been feeling overwhelmed and didn’t want to burden anyone. Your persistence, your willingness to break down that wall, opens up a path for honest conversation and deeper connection.

It’s not always easy to tear down those walls—whether they’re your own or someone else’s. It requires patience, empathy, and sometimes a bit of persistence. But remember, these barriers aren’t always about keeping people out. They're often about finding those who care enough to break them down.

So, next time you encounter an emotional barricade, either in yourself or someone else, think about the underlying message. Recognize it as an opportunity for deeper connection. And who knows? That small effort you make to reach out could be the very thing that turns a tough situation around.

It's all about understanding and genuine care. And that’s something we all need a bit more of, don’t you think?