Lauren Bridgewater

One day, you realise that there are some people you’ll never see again. At least, not in the same way.

You kept calling me and pretty and although I liked the sound of it I didn’t want to hear it come out of your mouth I wanted you to tell me you like the way I never shut up about the things I care about Or how I dreamt of a future that was big and bold and daring I need you to say that you loved the way I smiled trying to contain my laughter at dumb jokes on dumb shows That the way I refuse to sleep in the dark isn’t dumb or childish but rather smart. That when I draw, the world slips away from me and I’m immersed in my painting trying to make sure ever line comes out just how I imagined. I don’t want to just be pretty. I want to be something more Tell me I’m everything in the universe, I want you to see me for who I am.

Falling in love with yourself first doesn’t make you vain or selfish, it makes you indestructible.

Just because two people are capable of deeply hurting each other over and over again does not make them passionate, star-crossed lovers. It makes them two people who keep doing terrible things to each other. Someone’s ability to make you completely and utterly soul-crushingly miserable does not mean they are a soul mate with some deep insight into your psyche. They are just someone who is really good at making you unhappy.

Never settle with anyone who tells you to stop being so excited, to cheer up, to calm down, to stop feeling sad, or to stay positive. You are allowed to feel different things. You are allowed to feel everything. Anything. All of it. And you should be with someone who cherishes and respects that, no matter what.

Some people look for a beautiful place, others make a place beautiful.

So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers