Two part comment:

I don’t think you should have to answer to anyone, but at the same time don’t sell yourself short.

Humans are social creatures by nature - even if you’re very introverted like me, you do need some sort of connection. In your case, it may not be connection you need, but build some redundancy in a system that works for you.

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One of the things that I noticed as my 30s came and went was how situational friendships and relationships are. Most people you meet in life are just passing though your story. Very few stick.

I also realized how little effort most people put in to friendships. I’m always the one trying to maintain. They have my number but the phone never rings for the most part.