My journey to self love and healing.

In the labyrinth of my heart, there was a man whom I thought I loved deeply. He was the embodiment of passion, and his allure was magnetic. But beneath the intoxicating spell of his presence, I discovered a painful truth that I can no longer deny.

My heart had been tethered to his, and I willingly gave him my all. I told him, "I love you," and I meant it. Yet, he chose to tread upon my feelings indifferently, a coldness that left me drowning in a sea of uncertainty. For reasons I could not fathom, he would only reach out when desire coursed through his veins, leaving me longing for more.

I found myself trapped in a cycle of self-inflicted torment, always the one to initiate contact, my heart yearning for the connection I craved. It was a dance that left me bruised and battered, with my self-esteem hanging by a thread.

Today, in a serendipitous encounter along our familiar path, he offered me nothing more than a fleeting side hug. No words, no affection, just a reminder of how one-sided this connection truly was. My heart ached, and my patience was tested.

But, as I reflect on this tumultuous journey, I've come to realize that love should never be a source of pain. I've learned that the depth of my love for him should be matched by the respect, care, and attention I receive in return. My self-worth should not be tied to the intensity of his touch or the allure of his physical presence.

Though his allure was undeniable and his touch unforgettable, I must prioritize my own well-being. It's time for me to rewrite my story, to choose self-love over self-sacrifice, and to embrace a future that is not defined by a love that hurts. My path may be uncertain, but it's one I'm willing to walk with the hope of finding a love that nurtures and respects me in the same measure I offer it.

This is not the end of my story, but rather the beginning of a journey to self-discovery and healing. In sharing my experience, I hope to remind myself, and others who have walked similar paths, that love should never be a source of pain, and that self-love is the foundation of any meaningful relationship.