I Let My Guard Down For The First Time

And for the first time in my life, I felt free

Photo by Javier Allegue Barros on Unsplash

Growing up, I was always the quiet one, the girl who preferred the corners of the room, far away from the spotlight.

My parents were strict, sheltering me from the world as if it was too dangerous to handle.

They taught me that vulnerability was a weakness, that trusting people could lead to heartache.

So, I built walls — thick, unbreakable walls — around myself.

I kept everyone at arms length. I didn’t let anyone in. Not really.

I watched friends fall in love, get their hearts broken, and I thought to myself,

That will never be me.

I wasn’t going to be the girl who lost herself in someone else.

I was going to stay safe behind my carefully constructed armour.

And for the longest time, it worked. I kept people out, avoided messy emotions, and told myself I didn’t need anyone. I was happy being alone.

Then, I met you.

You weren’t like the others who tried to break through my walls.

You didn’t push or demand more from me than I was willing to give.