Because I Love You, I Love You Because

First week of college:

You reconnect with a guy, the guy, the perfect guy

Who has always been a small spot on the horizon.

You talk, you laugh, you touch.

You see a side to him he has never shown you before.

Second week of college:

You start dating, the guy transforms from best friend to lover, confidant, partner.

You have sex, go on dates,

You are grown up now, in a “serious relationship”.

First October in College:

3 months of dating marked by those 3 words everyone craves to hear;

I love you.

I always have, and I always will.

He said it first, but it comes quickly rushing out of your lips soon after.

First Christmas in College:

You skip your family Christmas this year,

And it’s his family’s house you go to instead,

Because I Love Him

You tell yourself.

First summer after College:

He doesn’t have a car, so you go visit him once a week,

Drive 30 minutes down the expressway each way just to spend a few hours

In his arms.

Because I Love Him

You say again.

Second Year of College:

You spend every night in the same bed.

He doesn’t come to your room, but you don’t mind.

Because I Love Him.
You justify to your friends

When they ask why he never spends time in your room

With your roommates.

Or when you complain that you don’t watch what you want to

Or do what you want to.

It’s Because I Love Him

Relationships have sacrifices, I’m being a good girlfriend.

Third Year of College:

Things fall apart.

When you try to ask for more time, more attention, more of him

He says “what about me?”

While you cry at night and whisper to yourself

That you’re still with him

Because I Love Him.

Summer after third year of college:

You are miserable, you have given him all your air,

Your passion, your strength, and your heart.

You are broken and he has given nothing to you

To try and put you back together again.

You tell him

It’s Because I Love You

That I need to leave,

And you walk away.

Senior Year of College:

You say to your best friend

I love you because

You are honest,

You are loyal,

You are passionate, considerate, and kind.

You sacrifice for me, would give your life for me.

But I also love you because

I don’t have to hide,

I don’t have to change myself,

I don’t have to cry,

Or let you make decisions that I should decide.

I love people who make me love myself,

And make me feel good even when they feel down.

I love people who I care about unconditionally and who care about me unconditionally.

I say to my best friend, not Because I Love You,

But I Love You Because

You’re you.