We’ve all done it.

Felt something, wanted something, needed something…

But didn’t say it.

We hold back.

We assume they should know.

We overthink.

We tell ourselves it’s not the right time.

We don’t want to be too much, too needy, too honest, too vulnerable.

So we swallow it.

And then we lie awake wondering why no one sees us properly.

Why we feel misunderstood.

Why things never quite feel whole.

Let me tell you something that took me a long time to learn:

If you want to be seen, you have to speak.

If you love someone, you’ve got to show it.

If you need something, you’ve got to ask for it.

It doesn’t mean begging.

It doesn’t mean losing your dignity.

It means being brave enough to back yourself emotionally.

Because here’s what happens when you don’t…

You build resentment.

You build distance.

You build a story in your head that no one cares, when really, you just never gave them the chance to show up.

And I get it. I really do.

We grow up in a world where emotions are labelled as weakness.

Where asking for love is seen as needy.

Where people play it cool instead of playing it real.

But I’m telling you now, cool doesn’t build connection.

Honesty does.

And yes, it’s vulnerable.

Yes, it might be scary.

But the alternative?

Is silence. Missed chances. Unsaid things that echo for years.

You don’t have to make a big speech.

You don’t need to write poetry or pour your heart out if that’s not your style.

But say something.

Say, “I care about you.”

Say, “I’d love to spend more time with you.”

Say, “That upset me.”

Say, “I need a bit more from you.”

Say, “I’m struggling.”

Say, “I miss you.”

Because when you start speaking your truth, everything changes.

You stop guessing.

You stop hoping people will read your mind.

You stop playing emotional charades.

And you start building something real.

You might not always get the answer you want.

But at least you’ll know.

And there’s real peace in knowing, because it means you’ve stopped hiding your heart.

You’re not too much.

You’re not too emotional.

You’re human.

And life’s too short to spend it in silence.

So speak.

Ask.

Express.

Be the one brave enough to feel something and say something.

It just might change everything.

And remember,

keep smiling

Benney the Coach