C O M E A S Y O U A R E

who felt like the only way to survive your trauma was to toughen up. who’ve gotten more critical, closed off, and mistrusting. who never felt like it was safe to stay soft, and so you didn’t. who willingly or unwillingly changed into armour. who, even though your world is safe again, you still stay tough. who have to stay tough, ‘cause maybe your world is still unsafe. who have been stereotyped as tough and decided to say fuck it and be it. who have been coddled so much you feel you have to prove your strength. who have been neglected and abandoned, so strength was the only option. who is just not really a soft person to begin with. who live, breathe, and thrive better when tough. who doesn’t dare to open your heart or home again. who doesn’t dare to ever give up. who never tell anyone how much you cry when alone. who doesn’t tell anyone how much you long for long hugs. who can’t stand being touched. who’ve decided to live your life solo. who have a spouse, kids, pets, and family dinners.

to all my fellow tough cookies out there

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