Let’s get one thing straight:
No one wants to be with someone who had to be forced to correct their behaviour.
Whether it’s going to therapy, treating you with respect, owning up to their actions, or even just showing basic kindness — if it only happens after an ultimatum, a court case, or the risk of losing you, then it wasn’t love. It was damage control.
That’s not romantic.
That’s not growth.
And that sure as hell isn’t love.
True love isn’t something that comes with conditions, under pressure, or out of fear.
True love comes from the heart — freely, genuinely, and voluntarily.
You should never have to beg someone to treat you right.
You should never feel like you’re constantly trying to “fix” someone in hopes they’ll one day become the partner you deserve.
If someone really wants to be with you — really values you — they don’t need to be chased, threatened, or coerced into showing up.
They just do.
Because love is not a performance.
It’s not a negotiation.
It’s a choice — and it should be made with open hands and an open heart.
So if you’ve been waiting on someone to change…
If you’ve been holding onto the hope that they’ll finally get it…
If you’ve been clinging to a version of love that’s filled with anxiety, confusion, or conditional affection…
It might be time to take a breath, step back, and remember:
🔹 Love is not meant to be earned through suffering.
🔹 Respect is not a reward for loyalty to someone’s potential.
🔹 Real connection doesn’t come with threats, silence, or crumbs.
You deserve a love that is given, not taken.
A love that is nurtured, not demanded.
A love that is free, not forced.
So stop trying to fix people who don’t want to grow.
Stop making excuses for those who only show up when they’re afraid of losing you.
Start choosing you — your peace, your worth, your healing.
Because love, when it’s real, doesn’t need to be dragged out of someone.
It flows.
Naturally.
Willingly.
Lovingly. 💛
— Linda C J Turner
Trauma Therapist | Neuroscience & Emotional Intelligence Practitioner | Advocate for Women’s Empowerment
