It makes me immensely uncomfortable to feel like someone has me up on a pedestal,
for I cannot stay still and will definitely fall off.
Excessive attention makes me feel suffocated.
I do not want to be the center of your world.
I do not care for being checked-in on every hour.
I am not to be chased down, I am to be walked alongside.
Slowly. Patiently.
If I am rushed, I will guiltlessly turn and walk the other way.
Do not look to me if you want to be fawned over.
I am not capable of inflating a fragile ego.
I will not bat my eyes and cling to your arm.
Why?
I am an equal. I am a partner.
I am not a challenge. I am not a trophy.
You cannot win me, for I am not material to be possessed.
My ability to hold my own is not a threat to you.
Your pride should not feel bruised.
I can stand on my own and not waver when the storms come.
Do not view this as a deal breaker.
It merely reiterates that I can handle so much.
If while walking beside me you find that I have slipped my hand into yours,
do not mistake it for a victory.
The battle continues. The war has not ended.
But I have chosen to fight with you through it.
I am not looking for someone to dote on me as if I cannot brandish my own sword and shield.
I am looking for someone to help me conquer the demons that try to take up space within us.
I am looking to blaze trails and establish kingdoms.
I am not looking for someone to settle down with in one place.
I am looking for someone who makes a gypsy heart feel at home on the run.
It will take a considerable individual for that to happen.
If they do show up...
I will defend them until I can no longer breathe.
I will support their dreams.
I will have their back.
I will show up even when they think they do not need me to.
I will celebrate each victory and share in their grief.
But I will not wait until this person arrives to live my life now.
So until then, I will continue slaying my own dragons.
