I grew older and my dreams changed a bit . I no longer expect someone to shield me from harm and protect me from the world , not because I did n't want it , but because life 's hardships come for you even if there is someone there to stand in the way and sometimes that person may falter and need you to be there for them instead . So , what I wanted instead was a friend to talk to . Someone who would not judge and who loved me enough to be blunt when the time called .

Based on the preceding passage, answer the following question What happened after you grew older ?
I learned how to protect myself .