I recognize this. I was The Giver in a previous relationship. There is a tendency to blame The Taker which is not as helpful as remembring that I had agency which I traded away for the belief that I could make him love me if only I...
I recognize me in your writing. However, I disagree with your last statement: “The challenge now, for all of us, is to ask ourselves: How often do we sacrifice who we truly are to gain the favor of others? And is it worth it?”. The challenge for me is: knowing how I crave and behave, what am I going to do about it?
Diamond, I’ve been the self-proclaimed CEO of the “Nice Gal Club” for longer than I care to admit. I felt like you were peeking into my life—minus the overpriced avocado toast (though I’ve definitely overpaid for coffee, hoping it’d sweeten my existence). Your line about waiting for rain in the desert? Brutal. And accurate. I've probably written full-on novels in my head about how my kindness would magically transform someone into Prince Charming, only to realize I’d been ghostwriting for a dud.
Nowwww the tides are turning and I'm so happy to read & share your work!
I recognize this. I was The Giver in a previous relationship. There is a tendency to blame The Taker which is not as helpful as remembring that I had agency which I traded away for the belief that I could make him love me if only I...
Lousy bargain.
“…..tendency to blame the taker.”
Very good point.
I have to come to terms with the same thing. I was a willing participant in the transactions.
Insightful!
I recognize me in your writing. However, I disagree with your last statement: “The challenge now, for all of us, is to ask ourselves: How often do we sacrifice who we truly are to gain the favor of others? And is it worth it?”. The challenge for me is: knowing how I crave and behave, what am I going to do about it?
Hits home for me too, and timely, and wonderfully written.
This hits home and hard. Too much for me to unpack here, but you’ve given me a lot to think about. Thank you.
Diamond, I’ve been the self-proclaimed CEO of the “Nice Gal Club” for longer than I care to admit. I felt like you were peeking into my life—minus the overpriced avocado toast (though I’ve definitely overpaid for coffee, hoping it’d sweeten my existence). Your line about waiting for rain in the desert? Brutal. And accurate. I've probably written full-on novels in my head about how my kindness would magically transform someone into Prince Charming, only to realize I’d been ghostwriting for a dud.
Nowwww the tides are turning and I'm so happy to read & share your work!