Love, Boundaries, and the Strength to Choose Myself

Love taught me how to give, but pain taught me where to stop. For years, I believed that love, whether in friendships, romance or family meant always showing up, always forgiving, always putting others first. But life has a way of teaching you that love without limits can leave you empty. It wasn't one big lesson that changed me,it was the small heartbreaks, the quiet disappointments, and the moment I felt unseen in relationship that made me realize something powerful. Love should never come at the cost of yourself

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Looking back on my relationships-romantic, friendship and family. I realize one of the most valuable lesson I've learned is the balance between giving and protecting my peace. For a very long time, I thought love, whether romantic or platonic, mearnt sacrificing my own needs to make others happy. I belief that being "a good person" meant always being available, always forgiving, and always giving second chances. But life has a way of teaching us what we refuse to see

I've had friendships that drained me because I was too afraid to say no. I've had romantic relationships where I gave too much, hoping that love alone could fix things. And I've had a family dynamics where I felt obligated to tolerate behaviors that hurt me bacaise "family is family". But overtime I realized that love without boundaries isn't love,it's self betrayal

Setting boundaries doesn't mean you love people less; it means you love yourself enough to choose peace over chaos. It means recognizing that you can't pour from an empty cup. This lesson changed the way I approach all my relationships. I no longer feel guilty for walking away from people who disrespect me. I no longer stay in one sided friendship where I do all the giving. And I no longer believe that being related by blood means tolerating toxicity

At the same time, I've also learned the beauty of unconditional love. The kind that doesn't expect perfection, but value effort. The people who truly love you will respect your boundaries. They won't make you feel guilty for choosing yourself. And they will show up, not just in words, but in actions. This balance between protecting my peace and loving wholeheartedly has brought me healthier relationships. I no longer chase love, friendship, or approval. Instead, I attract the right people by being true to myself. And that, to me, is one of the greatest lessons life has given me

In the end, I've learned that the right people will never ask me to shrink myself to fit into their lives. Love, real love, respect boundaries, nurture peace, and makes room for both giving and receiving. So now I 'o longer beg for space in heart that were never meant to hold me. I no longer chase after people who make me feel like I'm too much or not enough

Instead, I choose to stand in my worth, knowing that the love I give so freely also belongs to me. And with that, my relationships have become lighter, deeper, and more real than ever before. I hope you learn one or two from my experience on this entry!!

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