Never Compromise Yourself.

So recently I've noticed a trend with quite a few women. In one of my much earlier posts, I listed some of my favorite and fabulous quotes that were more specifically geared towards the female sex. One in specific that I absolutely love is an anonymous quote: "Never make someone your priority while allowing yourself to be their option." Definitely, by far, without doubt, my fave quote.

I've learned quite a few lessons in my many almost-23 years, especially when it comes to relationships. Whether it's been with boyfriends or friends. Examples: I've stayed with guys who were never good enough for me for way too long. I've had suspicions and doubts about whether a boyfriend was being faithful. I've had boyfriends make me feel so bad about my feelings that I second-guessed and doubted myself. In reality, my suspicions and doubts and feelings were true and right all along. I've had friends talk sh*t behind my back and act like my BFF to my face, all while I knew about their waggin' tongues. I've always forgiven too easily (but never forgotten mind you) and I've always overlooked something for a boyfriend or friend's benefit of the doubt.

Yeah, I've definitely had to circle the cul-de-sac of love a few times to learn my lessons, but I learned a lot and that's what matters.

Never doubt my feelings. Never second-guess myself. Never let someone bring me down. Never stoop down to someone's level to become the future-labeled crazy ex-girlfriend. To balance my heart and my head. To see the red-flags in relationships for what they are and to let go when I'm no longer happy. To not sweat the small stuff. To not gunny-sack... to name a few.

Most importantly, of all the lessons I've learned, I've learned to put myself FIRST. I am my biggest investment at this point in my life. I am the topic of interest and I am the main point of concern. I mean, I'm not married, I don't have any kids. This is my time to be selfish and damn it, I'm going to be selfish. Well, I mean, as selfish as I know how to be because no matter how hard I try, I still have a great love and care for others.

Just like the quote says, "never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option." I mean... really... music to my ears. Looking back, I know I wasted too much time, too many tears, too many hopes in things that just needed to end. I have no regrets because these lovely lessons are priceless.

Relationships get to a point sometimes where you just need to let go. When you're sick and tired of being sick and tired, you will let go. But instead of getting to that point, instead of getting deeper than you should be, learn to let go when your significant other is no longer making you happy, is no longer making you want to be a better person. Believe me, it's much easier said than done, but while you're dating Sir Stinker, you could be out mingling with Prince Charming.

So please remember to never compromise yourself. Listen to and own your feelings. Accept things for what they are and see them for what are. And please, put yourself first.