LOVING the VERSION OF THEM WE IMAGINE Sometimes we hold onto those we love because we think we know their potential. We are convinced they will make the change they need to become who we know they are. We see the best in them, the good they often don't recognize in themselves. Sometimes we make excuses for the times they hurt us in the name of their ego, insecurities, and unhealed wounds they never tended to. We decide to take the blame because being in their life seems better than being without them. We want to love them through every season, even if we hurt during the process, because we know that who they're going to be will be worth it. But the truth is, sometimes the only change we envision is the illusion we planted in our hearts because we want to believe they will be right for us. We want to believe we didn't fight and waste our time for nothing. We think the more we fight and believe, the closer we get to meeting the version of them that will deserve us too. But people don't change for us, and sometimes they don't change at all. We cannot wait around for someone to be what we fantasize them to be. You can admire the good you saw in them and realize you deserve better than to settle for someone who will never value you. It's okay to know you can't fall in love with someone who can't love themselves like you love them. Real love will begin where that facade ends, and your peace will begin when you choose yourself over what could have been.