If you do not look out for yourself, who will?

Nothing good comes from arming anyone — whether with a gun or with your heart. When we think of weapons, we imagine power placed in someone’s hands that can harm us. Yet many of us do the same in relationships when we hand over our peace, self-worth and identity to someone else. It may not leave visible scars, but the emotional weight can be just as destructive. Too often, love is mistaken for overextending ourselves. We bend until we break, sacrifice until we’re empty and chase after people who only meet us halfway (if at all). Surrendering the best parts of ourselves to someone who hasn’t earned or proven they can protect them. This is not love. True love doesn’t ask you to arm someone else at your own expense. It doesn’t demand endless explanations, constant proving or the quiet acceptance of neglect. The right person will not only accept your love but also honor it, protect it and give back with consistency and care. Staying true to yourself means recognizing that your heart is valuable. It deserves to be cherished, not mishandled. It means setting boundaries so that your giving does not turn into self-sabotage. It means remembering that your worth is not tied to how much you sacrifice, but how much you honor your own needs while loving another. Love should feel like safety, not risk. A partnership, not a battlefield. Connection, not depletion. So guard your peace, honor your heart and never arm someone with the power to destroy what makes you whole. The love that is right for you will never require you to lose yourself to keep it alive.