Track 3 from “Do Not Disturb”
How do you tell people you need space without hurting their feelings?
The Impossible Balance
I love my people. I really do. But sometimes I need them to leave me alone, and that’s really hard to communicate without sounding like a terrible person.
“Don’t Take It Personal” came from that exact frustration. When people want to help, when they mean well, but talking about it just makes everything worse. When the best thing someone can do for you is give you space, but they take your need for solitude as a personal rejection.
It’s Not You, It’s Everyone
The opening verse says it all:
“Don’t take it personal when I don’t answer my phone
When I say I’m busy but I’m really just at home
It’s not you, it’s everyone, it’s everything at once
And I need to turn it off before I come undone”
That’s the truth. It’s not about any one person. It’s about the cumulative weight of everyone. Every text. Every call. Every question. Every expectation. It all adds up until I can’t breathe.
The Bridge: My Breaking Point
The bridge is where I finally let the frustration show:
“Please don’t text me if you need an answer, please just call me
I’m not making anyone happy
I’m working hard and working harder every day
I’m sorry I can’t remember, I’m sorry I’m not perfect”
This is me at my breaking point. Working as hard as I can and still feeling like I’m failing everyone. Forgetting things. Messing up. Disappointing people no matter how hard I try.
And beneath the calm exterior of “don’t take it personal” is this exhausted, apologetic person who just needs a break.
Why This Song Matters
Because we shouldn’t have to apologize for needing space.
Because asking for solitude doesn’t make us bad people.
Because sometimes the kindest thing we can do – for ourselves AND for others – is to step away before we break.
The Calm Tone Is Intentional
I didn’t want this song to sound angry or defensive (that comes later in the album). I wanted it to sound calm but firm. Like a boundary that’s been carefully set.
“I’m not mad, I’m not hurt
I just need some space to breathe
Don’t take it personal
I just need to be”
Calm. Clear. Unapologetic.
Who This Song Is For
This song is for:
- Anyone who feels guilty for needing alone time
- People whose loved ones take their need for space personally
- The person who’s always available until they’re completely depleted
- Anyone who’s tired of explaining why they need to be alone
- People who love others but still need boundaries
What I Want You to Know
Your need for space is valid. Your need for silence is valid. Your need to step back is valid.
And it’s not personal. It really isn’t.
Sometimes we just need to turn everything off before we come undone. And the people who love us should understand that.
Listen to “Don’t Take It Personal” on• SPOTIFY • APPLE MUSIC • AMAZON MUSIC • DEEZER • PANDORA • YOUTUBE
Full album “Do Not Disturb” available April 1, 2026
How do you ask for space without feeling guilty? Do the people in your life respect your boundaries?
