Every day we’re surrounded by stories, some are told through headlines, some through the shows we stream late at night, and some hidden in the quieter corners of our own lives. They shape how we see the world and, just as often, how we see ourselves.

This column is about pausing to look closer. About connecting the dots between the things that entertain us, the pressures that weigh on us, and the questions that may seem to have no answer.

Because beneath all the noise, there’s always something worth thinking about, it’s always worth to read “Between the Lines.”

Let’s be honest, living in this day and age is both overwhelming and confusing. We’re constantly trying to live up to expectations, balance different school responsibilities, figure out who we are and what we want for our future, and adapt to the nonstop changes in society and the economy. Our plates are more than full. They’re overflowing.

Now add in relationships. The emotions, the drama, the constant back and forth of “are we still okay?” Whether romantic or platonic, it can all feel like too much. How is it possible to balance the weight of heartbreak with college applications? How do you study for the SAT when you’re replaying a text thread that ended in silence? Whether it’s a best friend who feels distant or a relationship that didn’t last the struggle is the same.

The truth is, balance doesn’t mean you won’t stumble. It means learning when to step back and protect your own peace. Sometimes it may look like setting boundaries, telling yourself that studying comes first tonight, even if part of you wants to stay up analyzing texts from a friend or reliving a conversation with someone you care about. Other times, balance is giving yourself permission to feel the hurt for a moment, and then carefully redirecting that energy into something productive; your schoolwork, your passions, or simply rest.

Letting go is one of the hardest lessons we face as teenagers. We hold on because we hope things will change—that we can make that person change or because we’re afraid of losing our history and the comfort we had with that person. Perhaps because being alone feels scarier than being involved with someone that no longer benefits us. But I’ll tell you the truth: friendships and relationships that consistently bring stress, doubt, or negativity aren’t helping you grow. Sometimes the healthiest choice is to let them, let them go, let them be, let yourself be happy because you deserve better, no matter how difficult it feels at the moment.

“At some point, you have to decide if keeping the peace with them is worth losing the peace within yourself,” senior Karina Ortega said.

Putting yourself first doesn’t make you a selfish person, it means you recognize that your well-being, your goals, and your future are worth protecting. College applications, SAT prep, and grades can feel overwhelming, but they’re stepping stones toward the life you want to build. And you can’t walk that path clearly if you’re weighed down by relationships that leave you drained at the end of the day everyday.

“Letting go is not a sign of weakness, but rather, a path toward freedom, growth, and inner peace. Be brave enough to let go of anything weighing you down,” said AP Psychology teacher, Mrs. Torrent.

So, choose yourself. Not tomorrow, not when it’s convenient, but now. Remember, you can’t control how other people treat you, but you can control how much of yourself you’re willing to lose in the process. At the end of the day, you only get one shot at building your future—and you can’t afford to let someone else’s chaos cost your own