A lot of us were taught that control was love.
That jealousy meant someone cared.
That being possessive meant you mattered.
That having to ask permission was respect.
That shrinking yourself was compromise.
It wasn’t called control.
It was called protection.
And that’s what made it so confusing.
Because love was never supposed to require less of you.
Less freedom.
Less voice.
Less identity.
Less self.
Love was never supposed to cost you yourself.
Real love doesn’t need your obedience.
It needs your authenticity.
The healthiest relationships don’t ask you to become smaller.
They make room for you to become more of yourself.
— Tawnia Lives
