I didn’t have love for a long time. Platonic love, romantic love, familial love. I went looking for it anywhere and everywhere. I had no standards, no boundaries, no clue of what I wanted or didn’t want in people. I was that person who “loved hard” and gave of myself recklessly.

When you don’t grow up fortified and strengthened by love and care from those closest to you, it fucks with you profoundly. I didn’t know my worth. I didn’t believe I was important or welcome anywhere. Feelings that anyone who knows me, knows I struggle with to this day.

Don’t underestimate the power of kind words, a hug, a kiss, a gentle touch. Show the people in your life that they matter so that at least you might prevent them for looking for love in all the wrong places.