Lauren Jarvis-Gibson

He taught me how to fall and break and crumble. But he also taught me that I am stronger than I think. And eventually, I began to build myself back up. Without his hand to hold.

I should have walked out after you kissed me gently and hard all at the same time. I should have walked out when I knew I was falling and when I knew you weren’t. I should have stopped myself. Because I knew better than to fall for someone like you. I knew better than to fall for players.

I experienced love for you, but most importantly love for myself after you left.

No matter what, do not ever blame them. Don’t tell them that they are weak. Don’t tell them to try harder. Don’t tell them that they aren’t working fast enough. Don’t ever blame them for how their brain works. That’s only going to add fuel to the fire.

Smile because you are surviving. And sometimes, that’s all anyone can do.

When you find a love that lasts, don’t give up. Don’t turn away when you see your partners own version of ugly. Don’t turn away from their flaws and imperfections. When you find a love that lasts, don’t expect it to be a fairytale. Don’t expect to be made up of magic. But don’t let that stop you from falling.

Don’t settle. Don’t settle even if he or she seems perfect to you on paper. Don’t settle for someone just because they are gorgeous. Don’t settle for anything less than what your gut is telling you. Don’t settle for the rich, when their hearts don’t match the amount of money they make. Don’t settle for anyone who doesn’t make your heart feel held.

Your real friends won’t sugarcoat the truth. They won’t lie to you just to make you feel better. They are going to tell you the harsh reality of any situation you find yourself in. Because they know you better than you know yourself.