Because I Love You…

 

I do not take advantage or mistreat you.

I hear your words and I listen.

I recognize your boundaries,

and I respect them.

I respect you.

 

I check up on you:

“Text me when you get home.”

“Call me when you arrive safely.”

I do not attempt to control you.

I do not pressure you.

I reassure you of my feelings,

and I remind you that even when you have no one else,

you have me.

 

I conversate with you.

I know your favorite color is blue,

and the names of all of your favorite songs.

I am familiar with your struggles, your fears,

your strengths, and your aspirations.

I understand the feeling you get when you stand under a mountain,

or dip your toes into the ocean,

or hold a newborn baby.

I admire your perspective on life,

and the sense of reverent wonder and awe that you hold for this world—

despite the abundance of insecurity that it has brought to you.

 

I know that you are strong because so many others have hurt you.

I promise that I am not like them,

and I mean it.

I emulate my words through my actions.

I acknowledge your worth,

and I affirm that you deserve more.

I embody the “more” that you warrant.

I ease your worries,

and I assure you when you need comfort.

I help you to trust me,

and I trust you the same.

I do not break my promises.

 

I know that your dream is to live a life that you can be proud of.

I am proud of you.

 

I understand your past,

and the circumstances that cause you pain.

I consider the failures of the ones who were supposed to love you before me.

My heart aches knowing that the agony they inflicted on you lingers with you each and every day.

But in each and every day that I share with you,

I vow to demonstrate what love truly is.

 

I do not reject your faults and mistakes

because those too are a part of you.

I realize that you are not perfect—

none of us are.

I adore every facet that structures your extraordinary being.

I stand by you in the good times,

and I do not leave you in the bad.

 

Most importantly,

because I love you

I remind you to love yourself.