#stepping away

*Loving Someone and Still Setting Boundaries*

As I sit down to write this, I'm reminded of the countless times I've struggled to reconcile my love for someone with the need to set boundaries. It's a delicate dance, one that requires a deep understanding of ourselves and our relationships.

For me, it started with recognizing that I deserve to be loved and respected, even if that means setting boundaries with someone I care about. It's not always easy, but it's necessary for maintaining healthy relationships.

One of the most important boundaries I've learned to set is the need for space. This can be a challenging one, especially when we're deeply invested in someone. But it's essential to remember that we're not just one half of a relationship – we're individuals with our own needs and desires.

Disagreeing with someone we love can be tough, but it's a crucial part of any relationship. It's okay to have different opinions and perspectives, and it's essential to learn how to navigate these disagreements in a healthy way.

Challenging someone we love can be even more difficult, but it's necessary for growth and development. Whether it's encouraging them to pursue their passions or supporting them through tough times, challenging someone we love can help them become the best version of themselves.

Standing up for ourselves is another essential boundary to set. This can be especially challenging when we're in a relationship, as we may feel like we're putting our partner's needs above our own. But it's essential to remember that we deserve to be respected and valued, and standing up for ourselves is a key part of that.

Changing our minds is a natural part of growth and development, and it's essential to be open to new ideas and perspectives. This can be especially challenging when we're in a relationship, as we may feel like we're committed to a particular path or decision. But being open to change can help us grow and develop as individuals, and can even strengthen our relationships.

Walking away when needed is one of the hardest boundaries to set, but it's often necessary for our own well-being. Whether it's taking a break from a toxic relationship or setting boundaries with someone who's draining our energy, walking away can be a powerful act of self-love.

Feeling frustrated is a natural part of any relationship, but it's essential to learn how to manage these feelings in a healthy way. This might mean taking a step back to cool off, engaging in a calming activity, or practicing effective communication with our partner.

Loving someone and still choosing ourselves is perhaps the most important boundary of all. It's easy to get caught up in the idea that we need to put our partner's needs above our own, but this can lead to burnout and resentment. By prioritizing our own needs and desires, we can actually become better partners and build more fulfilling relationships.

As I reflect on these boundaries, I'm reminded of the importance of self-love and self-care. By taking the time to nurture our own minds, bodies, and souls, we can become more confident, resilient, and compassionate partners.

So, what does it mean to love someone and still set boundaries? For me, it means recognizing that I deserve to be loved and respected, not just by others, but by myself. It means being willing to communicate my needs and desires clearly, even if it's uncomfortable or challenging. And it means prioritizing my own well-being, even if that means making difficult choices or setting boundaries with someone I love.

I hope this post has resonated with you, and that you'll join me in prioritizing self-love and self-care. Remember, loving someone and still setting boundaries is not selfish – it's essential. By taking care of ourselves and communicating our needs clearly, we can build more fulfilling relationships and become the best versions of ourselves.

Personal life/stress/swinging into the new year with depression is causing me to be unable to write or be inspired in general.

I appreciate everyone who participated in our secret Santa fic exchange! The first year was truly a success!

I severely overreacted to some posts here and to some comments on YT, making myself and possibly other people miserable. Stepping away from social media and, for a change, doing something practical and useful today. Please Google stop sending me every little thing about Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial, I don’t want to know about the train wreck, why are you doing this!

Feeling a bit burned out. Both on fandom and overall creatively. It's been some time coming. I know I have a small handful of requests for Nano. I will eventually get to them, just not sure when.