I Have Learned From My Past

From the start of almost every relationship I have had, the woman would eventually test the waters with the same tired question: “Do you love me?”

When I gave my truthful answer, it was never enough. They would pout, get quiet, or ask the same question again later that day, as if repetition could magically change my heart. One woman actually asked, “Do you love me?” and when I gave my answer, she immediately followed with, “How about now?” as if my feelings could shift in the span of five seconds.

Then came another woman, new in my life, who asked me the same question. This time, I answered differently: “I love you as much as you love me.”

Her smile disappeared in an instant. She became angry, defensive, and offended. She was furious that my love matched hers, because deep down she knew it was not much to begin with. She had just exposed herself without realizing it.

Within the hour, we broke up. She spat out, “I only want to date a man who loves me right from the start.” She was livid when I told her she was easily replaced and that I would find another woman soon.

What she really wanted was not love, but validation. And like every other woman before her, she wanted more than she was ever willing to give.