this is so beautifully written.

it took me awhile to truly understand the depth of real love this way. like others, i "chased sparks", believing love is found in the performance, in the passion.

it's not that my love wasn't present, it was just inconsistent. it came with a plea—to be seen, to be validated. but "love doesn't demand attention."

real love can't be given or received by demand. i had to learn to love and accept myself fully before i could love Her and receive Her love fully.

perhaps, early on, this is what She saw in me, or felt with me rather—something quiet, something safe, because that's what i felt with Her.

and i'm fortunate, because She believed in me. that i could figure it out and rise to meet Her where She stood. She stayed because She knew i could, because She knew i was meant to be Her good boy...

#love #relationships #grownostr