My friend did not make me perform okayness

Dear Delyara, I saw a friend this week while I was quieter than usual, and what moved me was how little she made of it. No interrogation. No awkward “What’s wrong?” every few minutes. No subtle pressure to become livelier so the atmosphere would stay comfortable. She just stayed. There is such relief in being around people who do not require you to perform okayness in order to remain lovable. That kind of friendship teaches the nervous system something beautiful. I am deeply grateful for it.