to the man I loved that didn't love me back

We've all been through it. You fall so head over heels in love with a man that doesn't share the same feelings. 

Every sign was there. Maybe I read everything wrong. Or maybe... Just maybe... You felt the same way I did... But, why wasn't I good enough to pursue? I did everything right. I was nice, genuine, treated you like a man should be treated. 

So why didn't you pick me? Why didn't you choose to love me? Was it because I came off too strong? I do that sometimes, because I care and I want you to know and see how much I care.

When I realized you would never love me the way I loved you, I put a guard up. The walls are so high and so thick that no one can get through. 

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Image by @kinga_cich

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I was numb for a while... Broken... Hurt... Devastated... My heart broke for days. I cried... Hard... Every day for a while. I felt like my heart was ripped from my chest. That's how you made me feel. You did that to me. You caused that pain. 

But, my wounds healed and I'm still here, standing tall with my head held high. I'll get through this just like I have every other heartbreak. You were a chapter in my book, and I'm moving on to the next. 

Thank you. Thank you for opening my eyes to realize how truly strong I am. I'm a strong person. I've always been strong, but your heartache brought realization to my eyes, and now I truly know my strength as a woman. 

Tomorrow is a new day. And I'm happy to be alive. I'm happy... Truly happy. Every day is a gift... And your pain was only temporary.

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—Author Olivia Howe