My inability to care for plants is exhausting. It’s not that I don’t care—I do. I’ve bought the light lamp, I water it frequently, I even talk to it. It seems I’ve given it everything, but it’s still not enough. The real issue is that, even with all the supplements, I can’t provide the exact conditions it needs to thrive.

This is often how our relationships with others are. It wasn’t that you didn’t give enough or that you didn’t try to give the right things. It just wasn’t the right circumstance for both you and your “plant” to thrive.

There is beauty in the fact that every plant is different, each one needing a specific environment. People are like this, too. One person might need the exact opposite of another. So as we search for the plant that suits us best, we should also consider our environment. What kind of home have we built for ourselves, and what plant could truly thrive in it?
As you look for your plant, consider its needs as well. Some plants might survive in your home but may not grow much. You want a plant that grows with you.

Just like we have different relationships in life—family, friends, and loved ones—we might have different kinds of plants, too. Caring for them all might feel overwhelming at times. But not every plant requires the same attention. Some, like succulents, will die if they are overwatered. Others need more care than you may be able to give. And when you take on the responsibility of a plant but can’t care for it, not only does the plant suffer, but you may feel like a failure, too.

But every plant teaches us something—about care, patience, and even ourselves. I hope you find the ones that not only survive with you but grow alongside you.