Every time you avoid something uncomfortable, your brain reinforces the idea that avoidance works. It literally strengthens the pathways that make hesitation, procrastination, or excuses automatic. And every time you do the hard thing even imperfectly your brain is building a new pathway: this is something I can do.
I fell in love with this realization:
The people meant for you will not punish you for being human. They will not require perfect timing, perfect words, or a flawless version of your personality. They will know how to hold a pause without turning it into a threat.
They will know that being real matters more than being polished.
"stay with them through ups & downs."
downs are NOT:
-cheating
-disrespect
-abuse: verbal, mental, physical, spiritual
-manipulation
-gaslighting
-control
downs are:
-financial hardships
-health issues
-tragic death/injury
-rough points in a relationship (arguing, lack of
intercourse, losing the "spark")
-trouble keeping/finding individuality in a relationship
stop normalizing putting yourself through trauma trying to prove to somebody that you love them