there was a time when i was ready to settle down. but now, i can't even picture myself being someone's girlfriend anymore. i used to dream about love, about building a life with someone, about giving my all and being the person they feel safe with. but my heart has been hurt too many times, my trust has been tested, and now i don't have the same patience i used to have. i see love differently now. i know how much time, energy, and care it takes, and i'm not sure i still have that to give. for now, being on my own feels enough.