Three and a half years ago, I chose you to be my one – my only, and when I said those words I meant every word of them. I promised to stand by you and to love you forever and always. And, I do.

But, I love me more.

I promised you that I would be with you for richer or poorer and for better or worse, that I would love you through it all. And, I meant every single word of it.

But, I love me more.

I realize nothing comes easy, and sometimes we make mistakes. I realize you love me…

But, I love me more.

The promises you broke, the trust you betrayed, the vows you shattered… I promise to forgive you…

But, I love me more.

You promised to change and eight-thousand second chances later I want nothing more than to stand by your side and believe the things you still tell me – to believe that everything will be okay…

But, I love me more.

I don’t hate you or want you to hurt. No, I want something entirely different…I want you to be happy, and I want you to be all that you can be. I want you to find what you’ve lost inside – to figure out the things that matter the most to you and to embrace those things…even if it’s no longer me (or never really was). I want you to learn the lessons you need to learn, to love like never before. You are my best friend and I want the very best for you…

But, I love me more.

I want so badly to run back into your arms and to collapse into a hug. I want to feel safe and secure amidst the rubble, for it all to disappear…

But, I love me more.

And, more than that…my girls.

*EDIT to say:  This wasn’t meant as a “I love me more than I’ll ever love you”…it’s more of a “I love me enough to not be walked over and to demand things like respect and honesty and happiness.”  That’s all.

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