i work at a bookstore. teenager came in daily. read for hours. Never bought anything. finally asked. “looking for anything specific?” “just reading. can’t afford books. Library’s far. this is closer.” let him stay. read whatever. whenever. brought him snacks. hot chocolate. safe space. learned his story. Foster kid. Seventh home. books were his escape. his education. his hope. started giving him books. “damaged copies. can’t sell them. you want?” he knew better. took them anyway. read everything. three years of this. he aged out of foster care. eighteen. scared. nowhere to go. helped him apply to college. scholarships. got in. full ride. English major. Graduated. he’s a teacher now. High school English. Brings his whole class to the bookstore. Shows them where he spent his teenage years. “Bookstore worker gave me sanctuary. Knowledge. Hope. taught me one person caring changes trajectories.” he buys books for students. who can’t afford them. pays it forward. Every kid in his class reads. because someone let a foster kid read for free.
No one talks about how painful it is when life slowly forces you to believe that maybe the happy home, the supportive partner, the one family unit... just wasn't meant for you.
Even when you have a good heart, pure intentions, and so much love to give - you still get the short end of the stick in love. Sometimes the pain isn't losing someone - it's realising you never got the life you were willing to give everything for.
Had a guy tell me for 2yrs "I like you I just don't want a girlfriend rn..", then I met a man who said "I'm not big on relationships but then you came along and I knew exactly what I wanted." You deserve someone who is sure of you.
I highly recommend finding yourself a clingy (healthy) lovey dovey partner who's always super excited about you. Life is too short to spend it with someone who acts like showing love is a chore.
nothing is sexier than a man that admits he wants you. sends you good morning and good night messages. replies fast, doesn’t leave you on read. shows you how much he wants you. give you time, attention and affection. who does anything to make you smile and only has eyes for