Stop Running From Your Feelings

Stop closing off your heart. Stop keeping your guard high. Stop pretending you are emotionless.

You are allowed to express your vulnerability. You are allowed to tell someone you love them. You are allowed to admit you care.

You do not have to walk around acting like you don’t give a fuck. You do not have to play along with the modern version of dating where you wait hours to answer messages and pretend you are too busy to make time for someone.

You are allowed to have crushes. You are allowed to smile wide smiles when they text you first. You are allowed to get excited about seeing them again soon. You don’t have to be embarrassed about liking someone. You don’t have to train yourself to act robotic and get disappointed when you fall for someone new anyway.

You should be excited there is someone in your world who gives you butterflies. Even though it’s a scary feeling, it’s also a comforting feeling. It’s a feeling you should aim to hold onto, not force away.

Even though it’s easier to pretend you do not care about anything or anyone, you should really stop running from your emotions. If you like someone, tell them. If you miss someone, tell them. If you want to date someone, tell them.

Waiting an hour to text back does not make you seem chill and laid-back. It makes you seem disinterested. And if the person you want to date assumes you aren’t interested, then they are going to find someone else.

You’re better off answering texts as soon as you get the chance and making your priorities clear. You know what it feels like to stare at the phone for weeks, waiting for an answer back. Why would you want to make someone else — especially someone you care deeply about — feel that way? Be honest with them. And be honest with yourself.

Stop lying to yourself about what you want. Stop trying to be the kind of person who cares less. Embrace your inner truth. Let the world see your vulnerable side.

It’s scary to let someone into your world, to hand them your heart and trust them not to crack it. There are no guarantees when it comes to relationships. Your person might end up disappointing you. They might end up leaving you behind. There is always a chance you will get your heart broken — but you could also get your heart broken without putting yourself out there.

You can fall in love with someone from afar. You can have your heart broken by someone you never dated.

That is why making a move is your best option. Take a leap and see where it leads you. Step out of your comfort zone and give love a fighting chance.

Even though it’s easier to play pretend, you should stop running from your emotions. Stop pretending you are happy on your own when there is someone you cannot stop thinking about seeing again.