i’ve removed ego and shame from the experience of liking people. me liking someone is my personal decision, but that doesn’t mean they’re obligated to like me back, desire me or act according to my expectations. i don’t see rejection or lack of reciprocity as an attack on my self worth.
and by “shameless,” i mean i’m not carrying embarrassment on my head because i like someone. whether i text first, express interest or end up liking them more than they like me, it is what it is. i’m not going to start acting emotionally detached just to protect pride. i also think people who genuinely find mutual attraction, emotional alignment and timing at the same time are very lucky because it honestly doesn’t happen as easily as people make it seem.