Holly Riordan

It’s a good thing your almost relationship didn’t work out because you deserve more. You deserve someone who texts you back every single time, not only when it’s convenient, when they’re bored or lonely or interested in sex.

People who only care about themselves. People like this aren’t going to care about your happiness. They’re going to make decisions that are the most convenient for them, regardless of what it means for you.

The other person probably didn’t make it easy on you. Even though they were treating you terribly and giving you every reason to leave, they probably weren’t happy when you decided you deserved better.

When someone acts inappropriately, you’re allowed to feel hurt. Don’t let anyone convince you to take the high road when the high road means letting disrespect slide. The high road means letting someone get away with treating you poorly.

Breaking up with someone toxic is the bravest thing you could ever do. You should be proud of yourself for raising your expectations, for refusing to settle for the crumbs you’ve been given and deciding you deserve better.

Social anxiety makes you isolate yourself because you feel safer by yourself. When you’re alone, no one is judging you. There’s no pressure. You can relax, loosen your shoulders, and be your unfiltered self.

Having history with someone could keep you in the wrong relationship for longer than necessary. It could convince you to tough it out when things get bad, even though you deserve better and should leave.

Relationships can contribute to your overall happiness, but they won’t magically make your problems disappear.

I want a love that’s stable. I don’t want fireworks one day and thunderstorms the next. I want my person to treat me with consistency and respect.

It takes strength to stay away from someone, even when you’re missing them. Even when you’re desperate to hear their voice. Even when you aren’t sure if you’re ever going to find someone like them again.

Some days, you’re going to run through your workload like a beast, crossing off every single item on your to-do list before the sun sets.

The false hope is what keeps you coming back for more. It’s the reason why you haven’t moved on from them yet.

When it feels wrong, you don’t need a ‘good’ reason to leave. This person might be your perfect match on paper. They might check off all your boxes.

Date someone who texts to check in on you, who remembers the little things you say, who is unafraid to admit how much they care.

You are worthy. You have worth, even when you feel unloved and unsuccessful, even when you feel lost and lonely. You are an important piece of this world. Your existence matters. Don’t let yourself forget it.

Your wildest dreams aren’t going to become a reality overnight. These things take time.

Stop spending time with people who disrespect you, who cross lines they know will bother you, who accuse you of being overly sensitive when they say something that hurts your feelings.

Don’t date the guy who makes you feel bad when you want to spend an evening at home. Don’t date the guy who gets angry about how quiet you are around his friends.