my authenticity is not up for negotiation There comes a point in life where you get tired of explaining yourself, defending yourself, and reshaping yourself to fit the expectations of others. You realize that no matter how carefully you present yourself, some people will still misunderstand you. Some will only like the version of you that benefits them, and the moment you begin standing in your truth, their opinion of you changes. I am no longer interested in being loved for a version of myself that doesn't exist. I have flaws, opinions, boundaries, scars, and lessons that have shaped me into who I am today. I am still growing, still learning, still becoming, but I refuse to apologize for taking up space as my authentic self. So take me as I am or leave me as I am. Either way, I will not abandon myself to earn a place in someone's life. The right people won't require me to become less of myself to be worthy of their presence.