“Love is never lost. If not reciprocated, it will flow back and soften and purify the heart.” – Washington Irving
There a very few things harder in life than finding yourself in a one-sided relationship. To know, in the end, that all the time, effort, and emotions you’ve put into making this person feel like they are a crown jewel in your life was all for naught because they didn’t reciprocate is a crushing blow to the soul.
As someone who has felt the sting of unrequited love, I can say firsthand that it will leave you wondering. There are moments when you figuratively bang your head against a wall, trying to understand how someone can profess a kinship, but never truly show it. Confusion, frustration, and disillusionment will flow through your mind and body. In the end, you’ll be left disappointed in your inability to fully grasp what happened.
But don’t be angry. Don’t lash out. Don’t go as far as to renounce love or life itself. In truth, that moment of failure is one of life’s greatest learning experiences. It’s then when you find true acceptance of yourself as you realize that no matter what, a great love comes from you that only a few will ever truly understand. It doesn’t have to be nourished by someone who will forsake that love, but will cultivate relationships that can last a lifetime.
