Finally, pay attention to relationships built primarily on convenience. If contact occurs only when assistance is needed, or if you consistently feel like an obligation rather than a valued guest, it is worth reassessing boundaries. Healthy connections are mutual, not transactional. Reducing availability, shortening uncomfortable visits, and saying “I’m not able to” without lengthy explanations are practical ways to safeguard your energy. Choosing where you spend your time is an act of self-care. As life progresses, being present in places where you feel respected, comfortable, and genuinely appreciated should become the standard—not the exception.