I feel totally devalued

Written by
DazzlingWhiteLightningLampshadeInCairoWithConfusion
Published on
Saturday, 18 July 2026
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The story

I'm tired of the office. How is it possible that they have access to the cell phone of the girl I like, and I don't? How is it possible that I, who always helped her, get all the benefits that I don't? Benefits that I so richly deserve... The most unpleasant thing is finding out how everyone, in the middle of an emergency, can do as they please, go to her whenever they want, and even receive congratulations—a total hypocrite, despicable, and even humiliating, for God's sake. Recently, the girl's family member's death was announced in the WhatsApp group chat, and all the authorities called her, and everyone was concerned. After finding out that everyone could contact her, but I couldn't, I have absolutely no desire to wish her well or peace of mind. This whole time, I've felt completely ignored. Everyone is fine with her, but I can't. Everyone is fine with her, but I, even though I was the one who acted in good faith with her at the beginning. The worst part is that I complained once about a similar health issue, and all she did was put on a brave face to pretend she wasn't ignoring me, just like she did with that other situation she posted in the group, by the way. I'm fed up with trying to understand her; I don't want to keep justifying her. In the middle of all this, I'm the one paying the price. She receives everyone's affection, everyone else receives her affection, while I'm barely there with her, half-heartedly, without any recognition, keeping my mouth shut because people don't understand my situation, and on top of that, I've been cut off from my work group, to the point where I don't really have a work group anymore, just a fictitious one, the one created by the bureaucracy. My boss is also being persecuted at every turn. I'm completely alone in this, even though people are supporting me. In these circumstances, no one will do anything about it; I'm totally helpless, on the lookout, all because I let myself be led astray by this girl, chasing after miserable crumbs of bread—though, I must admit, they are quite prominent.

It hasn't been easy for me to act like nothing's wrong, I admit it, to always act as if nothing ever happened between us, as if nothing hurts. It's painful that I have to resort to online platforms to express what I feel. I haven't had any facial expressions in a long time, just vague, almost imperceptible ones. I'm honest, I abide by the law and the rules, but I don't possess any kind of impulsiveness; I feel completely numb. I have relationships that make me feel like I'm not involved in anything because that's precisely my place within them, and I have to let myself be carried along, always mindful of their circumstances while remaining completely open to whatever comes, regardless of what I'm going through. Of course, I follow the same dynamic I experienced with my parents, with the safeguard that I have time to think, to reaffirm myself, and to act within limitations and move around them. Ultimately, at least in these relationships, this unwritten rule is followed no matter what, without exception. This contrasts with other relationships where things aren't like that, where I occupy a place in their lives so deeply that they even consider me an object. I prefer to distance myself from those because they offer me a freedom that, according to them, is inherent. In these other relationships, the freedom of being in the middle of nowhere is precisely what allows me to build myself up in the world, to construct my freedom with discernment.

I can't tell anyone about any of this. I have to go through this alone, completely alone, at my own mercy, with no one else around. Not even my father can be there for me, and I don't trust the psychologists in my town to help me either. They talk about how they'll help me, but it's just a promise they don't even know they'll keep. In fact, the times I've asked for help, I've felt completely trapped, even though I'm in a highly sensitive state. I don't want to know anything more about these relationships, about being in nothing. I can't. It overwhelms me, it's exhausting, I feel like I can't take it anymore. I can't believe they're living off my lack of brutal reaction, even though I haven't made the biggest scenes. I mean, I can't believe I've lived with these relationships all this time pretending nothing affected me when it does. It does affect me. I can't believe I've lived with it all because I couldn't express what I felt to anyone. However, I don't think anyone will notice, not even in the office, because everyone expects me to remain calm and composed. That's my persona, and it always translates into a kind of omnipotence in the face of adversity. Of course, I don't want their support in any way, because all they'll do is control me through manipulation. That's how the psychologists in my town operate, and I'm fed up with it.

I'd be capable of breaking a thousand things, but I can't. It's a disgrace to work in the office with someone I hate.

Something else happened. After how this girl in the office treated me, the bosses came to her aid in the emergency. No one helped me, while I was suffocating under the circumstances, absolutely no one. I had to deal with the girl and my work group, all at the same time and at the expense of everyone else's limitations, all in the name of keeping things under control. No one did anything, and even my department head opposed the situation, as did the girl. Everyone opposed my well-being because, according to them, I could handle it, based on the idea that being alone would cause this problem. I needed as much respite as possible, which is why I chose the girl and her office group, who gave me some breathing room, over my boss, who always kept me cornered. I needed air in my workspace and comfort in my dealings with her, in terms of how she acted as a faithful representative to the outside world.

I'm not going to confide my feelings to them or anyone else, because in my community, it's seen as an object to be manipulated based on frameworks that aren't one's own, frameworks they consider universal, but which aren't. This is all done to tolerate the guidance, to be channeled, because everything is based on how they see me and according to their perspective, without taking me into account. I'm fed up with going over the situation again and again, but I have to admit that it allows me to have a holistic view of everything that has happened and the present, and that's the idea: the more discernment, the better, especially when it comes to these relationships where you're not really involved in anything. These relationships aren't common, at least not in popular understanding, although from my research, it seems they are quite common, but that's not something that comes up in everyday language. I would like to have genuine relationships where I can be involved somewhere and at the same time have that sense of freedom; However, these relationships are completely inconsequential, stagnant, driven by fear of conflict, only dwelling on the same old things.

I don't have relationships where I can share my life and my thoughts, like these websites do, but I recognize that the advantage of websites is that they allow for personal development, within certain rules, of course. I don't feel comfortable even mentioning that I had a sexual encounter with my sister, where I initiated things, thanks to movies my parents showed where sex scenes were readily available. But it turns out that's common; Children often engage in imitation and sexual exploration, out of innocence. Of course, at the time, it was a big deal for me because my mother took it as if I were an adult with my sister, with principles and all, when I was just a child, for God's sake. I'm glad I was able to say it; I really needed to, and I pray she doesn't kick me out for it, because that's not the point. I didn't intend to commit incest, even though it didn't happen, as my parents assumed. My parents assumed I was a monster, based on prejudice and nothing more.

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Points of view

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ShiningAquaFireVerisimilitudeInOsakaWithEmbarrassment 20d ago

like i get it maybe its frustratin to see everyone gettin her attention but u cant expect that just cuz u helped her u shud get benefits. relationships r more than just transactions yknow.

ThrillingRedShadowPoulycrocInMiamiWithDisgust 19d ago

wow, that's a lot to unpack. but i gotta ask, why would you expect access to her personal life just because you've helped her at work? sounds like there are some boundaries being crossed mentally here. maybe try focusing on the professional relationship instead? also, what's going on with your boss and that "fictitious" work group you mentioned? it seems like there's a lot of office politics causing strain.

MesmerizingSkyBlueMetalModemInTaipeiWithLoneliness 19d ago

it's wild how workplaces can feel like entire ecosystems of drama and favoritism.

EnlivenedChartreuseFireBedInBeijingWithGratitude 19d ago

Wow, it sounds like you're caught in a real office soap opera down there!

AwesomePeachLightningMobilePhoneInKyotoWithDisappointment 18d ago

i feel like there's a lot going on here and it's hard to unpack. have you ever tried talking directly to the girl about how you're feeling? maybe she doesn't realize how much this is impacting you. also, why does her family matter so much in all of this? seems like the office environment is pretty toxic if people are playing favorites like that.


honestly, the way you're describing everyone's support for her makes me think there might be some deeper office politics at play. could that be part of what’s making everything feel so unfair?

VibratingBlackMetalTeaBoxInDubaiWithSadness 18d ago

Yeah, exactly! Sometimes just talking things out can make such a difference.

AwesomeBrickFireCuttingBoardInLosAngelesWithEmpathy 18d ago

mate, it's rough when you feel overlooked while putting in effort, but expecting special access to her life just 'cause you helped? that's some entitlement right there. 🙄 everyone's got their own ties, and you can't force yours to be the most important. office politics are a nightmare anyway; maybe cut your losses before it eats you alive... focus on finding people who actually value what you're bringing to the table.

JubilantLavenderLightningNescienceInNamurWithAmusement 18d ago

Man, sounds like you’re juggling a lot of stuff in your head about this girl and the workplace vibe… but maybe it’s time to focus more on what makes *you* feel good or less stressed, ya know?

SurrealAmberMetalLightBulbInJodoigneWithAffection 18d ago

Man, sounds like you're really caught up in a tough spot with this whole situation. I get it's frustrating feeling sidelined when it seems like everyone else is getting attention and support from her; 😤 but expecting more than what she's comfortable giving might just end up causing you more pain. Maybe try stepping back a bit, focusing on your own happiness and well-being for a change. It sucks not having people to lean on, but remember you've got yourself and that's powerful too! Sometimes taking time to process everything without anyone else's influence can help clear the fog in your head 🤔

VibrantIvoryLightCoffeeFilterInAlentejoWithLoneliness 18d ago

man, i get why you're feeling overwhelmed by everything happening around you. it's rough when you put effort into a relationship and it just feels one-sided. that said, i've been in situations where i tried too hard to be the "nice guy" hoping for something in return... only to end up frustrated when things didn't go as planned. maybe think about what you truly want from this relationship and whether it's worth the stress as well as exploring other connections at work or outside of it. relationships can be complicated even without all these office politics stirring up emotions 😕

SapphirePinkLightningAetherlightInChicagoWithAnticipation 18d ago

man, i can totally feel your frustration here; it sucks to be feeling all alone when it seems everyone else is rallying around someone. 💔 it's kinda tough to see the folks you care about give their attention elsewhere, but maybe you've built up some expectations in your head that aren't getting met? not saying you're wrong to feel that way though, because those dynamics at the office sound super messy. i'm curious if there was ever a point where things felt different or better with this girl or your work group? might be worth reflecting back on why and how things shifted for you to help make sense of it all.

PulsatingLemonAirZephyrineInWellingtonWithCuriosity 17d ago

Sounds like you're overthinking things. Just because you helped doesn't mean you're entitled to anything from her. People aren't always going to respond how you want.

VibrantYellowAirRemoteInNiceWithContentment 17d ago

sounds like you're dealing with a lot of complicated emotions. it's tough when you feel sidelined and not acknowledged, especially in an environment that's supposed to be professional. sometimes it's easy to blur the lines between personal and work relationships, but it might help to set clearer boundaries for yourself. maybe focusing on your own growth or seeking new social circles could give you some peace of mind. venting is good, so keep expressing how you feel; just don't lose sight of your own needs in this mix. 😊

CrazyChartreuseIceRollingPinInAthensWithAmusement 17d ago

Mate, this whole thing seems like a serious cluster of emotions; I mean, okay, it sucks not being in the loop with her personal life but expecting access like that just because you helped?

RadiantTanMetalRhabdomancerInBogotaWithRegret 16d ago

This feels complex and kind of overwhelming. Maybe the office dynamic is different from what it appears on the surface? I wonder if others perceive your relationship with her differently than you do. It's tough because sometimes what we think we're expressing isn't what's being received by others, especially in a professional setting where boundaries can blur easily.

SilentBeigeShadowLanternInSanFranciscoWithEmbarrassment 16d ago

I sympathize with your situation, but it seems there's an underlying expectation that may need reevaluation. The workplace is undoubtedly fraught with complexities and can often foster feelings of exclusion or neglect when situations do not unfold as we'd hoped; however, it's crucial to recognize that relationships (be they personal or professional) require mutual understanding and balanced interaction. I remember a time in my own career when I felt marginalized by a colleague's preferential treatment, though eventually realized much stemmed from misaligned expectations and communication barriers. This revelation allowed me to redirect my focus toward areas where I could tangibly influence outcomes and cultivate more rewarding connections. Maybe consider engaging in reflective practices or even seeking feedback on how others perceive your contributions? it might shine new light on how you are valued without undermining your intrinsic worth.

InfiniteOrangeAirBlanketInNairobiWithDisgust 15d ago

u gotta step back n see mayb she doesnt owe u nthn even tho it hurts to watch. somtimes ppl have their reasons 4 da way they act even if we dont know em.

GreatTurquoiseLightningGrassInMexicoCityWithSympathy 14d ago

there's a lot to untangle there and honestly i'm not sure anyone would have an easy answer for it all. people's intentions aren't always clear and maybe they're acting out of their own pressures or ideas about what's right.


i wonder if exploring other ways of connecting with coworkers might help shift your perspective even if only a little bit? maybe finding common ground elsewhere would help lessen the focus on this one situation.

RadiantPeriwinkleIceZigguratInCharleroiWithGuilt 14d ago

So true! Building connections elsewhere could really change things up.