"Not Meant to Be, But Meant to Grow"

WHAT IS LOVE FOR YOU?

Hi, I just want to share my experience in love. Way back in high school, I already had a crush, and by Grade 9, I entered my first relationship. I can’t say that I didn’t take it seriously because my crush actually became my boyfriend—haha. We lasted for a few months, but sadly, our timing wasn’t right. As the saying goes, “we met, but we were not meant to be.”

He was my first love, so of course there were butterflies and sparks. I was always excited to go to school because I would see him. Our relationship wasn’t legal on both sides since we were still young, and I was afraid to tell my mother because I knew she would get mad. We were on and off until the pandemic came, and our relationship became unclear. Maybe we were not mature enough back then, so we eventually broke up.

It was hard at first because I really loved him, but as time passed, I healed. I later told my mother that I had a boyfriend back in Grade 9. I thought she would get angry because she’s strict, but she didn’t. Instead, she gave me advice, and I really took it to heart. That was when I told myself that I should start loving myself more.

Then senior high came, and I had another crush. This time, it was different—it was legal. Honestly, I don’t know where I got the courage to make it official, but it was legal on both sides. We started as friends until feelings developed, probably because we were always chatting and calling each other.

In 2022, I said yes to him. But unlike before, I wasn’t showy on social media anymore. I became very low-key. My mindset changed, and I realized that it’s okay not to always post online. We were happy at first. We celebrated Christmas, New Year, monthsaries, anniversaries, and birthdays. Our happy moments lasted for two and a half years.

However, I don’t know when our relationship slowly became toxic. We became incompatible, had different interests, and argued all the time. Eventually, we decided to end our relationship and focus on ourselves. We didn’t completely cut off communication—we stayed friends. I don’t like conflicts, and at first, I thought being friends with an ex was weird, but it’s actually not.

I then realized that maybe it wasn’t the right time for us to be in a relationship. I still have responsibilities, especially to my family, and so does he. I can’t handle another heartbreak, which is why I chose to love myself more. Because if you don’t love yourself, you’ll eventually break. Self-love is important.

Now that it’s 2026, I’m still continuing my self-love journey. I still have goals to achieve and promises to fulfill. Maybe someday, when the time is right, I’ll enter a relationship again.

Always remember, guys—love yourself more. There’s nothing wrong with loving someone, but don’t give everything away. Leave something for yourself too.