Dear Teenage Me: Love yourself and remember what love is

Dear Teenage Me…

It wasn’t your fault that nothing you seemed to do made him happy.  It wasn’t your fault that he blamed you for his countless indiscretions.  It wasn’t your fault that he made your feel responsible for his every wrong move. It wasn’t your fault that over time, you became more and more isolated from your friends and family.  It wasn’t your fault that he called you out of your name.  It wasn’t your fault he put his hands around your throat and punched you.

Love yourself and remember what love is…love is not disrespectful.  Love is not name-calling.  Love does not blame.  Love does not isolate, and love does not physically hurt.

Before getting too caught up in love, take your time to experience was love really is.  Love is gentle.  Love is kind.  Love is patient. Love is respectful.  Love is understanding, and love is supportive.

Remember what your parents instilled in you…that you deserve to be loved in the way they have shown you love. Yes, being in a romantic relationship can be a “different kind of love” than your family’s love in some ways, but it’s dramatically similar in more ways than not.  Take your time with love, don’t rush it by any means because you have plenty of time to find the person who will treat you in the way you deserve to be treated. Never forget this, as a negative relationship can have devastating long-term effects.

Heartbreak is inevitable, and it’s not realistic to say that relationships can be tough emotionally, but always that remember your worth, your values and your respect are the priorities…the positive relationship will follow.
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Anonymous