trust.

empowerment.

love.

support.

these are words that you hear

every day.

words to describe healthy relationships

with families,

friends,

lovers.

but what do they mean?

perhaps

having someone who loves you even if you mess up

trusting that someone won't hurt you

or if they do

they make it up to you

or

maybe it's as simple as having someone who makes you excited to come home at night.

someone who doesn't make excuses for their mistakes

or their imperfections

someone who doesn't say "because i love you" as a weapon

for pity.

i've seen a few healthy

and unhealthy

relationships in my lifetime

and i've learned that you should not have another half of you

you should have a complement to you.

and the words "because i love you" should only be used when it's foreshadowed by the words "why do you want to marry me?"

or "why are you willing to give this up?"

or "why do you want to do this?"

it should never be a forced response

or a response said in anger

or sadness.

love should always make you happy

and never feel forced.