“You’ve got to learn to leave the table when love’s no longer being served.” – Nina Simone
Have you ever been in a relationship where you felt stuck in that impossible space between “I can’t live with them” and “I can’t live without them”? You know deep down what’s best for you, but walking away feels like tearing a piece of yourself apart. If you’ve ever been there, you know how hard it is to choose yourself when your heart is pulling you in two directions. But here’s the thing: when there’s more pain than joy in any relationship, you have every right to walk away. You have permission to choose *you*. If this resonates with you, keep reading.
Why did it take me so long to realize that loving myself had to come first? When did that lightbulb moment happen? Where was I when it finally clicked that I couldn’t keep betraying myself for the sake of loving someone else? Honestly, I don’t have the answers to those questions, and I’m not even going to try to figure it out. All I know is this: I’m done living the lie that loving someone else means abandoning myself. From here on out, I choose me.
It’s not because I stopped loving you. It’s not because of all the arguments we never resolved or the betrayals that piled up over time. It’s not even because I realized you mistook my kindness for weakness. No, this time, it’s simpler than that: I choose me.
It’s not because I stopped caring for you or about the memories we made. It’s not because I woke up one day and decided I wanted to be free. It’s not even because I was ready for our story to end. It’s just that this time, I choose me.
It’s not because I got tired of the empty promises or the mind games. It’s not because I stopped believing in the words you said or the apologies you made. It’s not even because I lost trust in you. This time, I choose me.
It’s not because you didn’t support my dreams or because everyone around me warned me about who you really were. It’s not because of the “just friends” you swore were harmless or the changes you promised but never made. It’s just that this time, I choose me.
Choosing me wasn’t a multiple-choice question—it was the only answer that made sense. Our relationship felt like a merry-go-round, spinning in circles, always ending up right back where it started. At first, it was fun, even exciting. But after a while, the spinning made me dizzy. I couldn’t wait for it to slow down or change direction. I had to jump off, even if it meant stumbling when I landed. And you know what? The merry-go-round kept spinning, but this time, you’re riding it alone. Because this time, selfishly, selflessly, and unapologetically, chose me!
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This version keeps the emotional depth of your original text while adding a conversational flow and a sense of empowerment. It’s raw but hopeful, acknowledging the pain while celebrating the strength it takes to choose yourself. Let me know if you’d like further tweaks!
Well said. You are the one you owe the most loyalty.