Just like you

I know you, because I'm exactly like you.

You don't believe it, do you? I tend to do a really good job of being seen as the definition of "good" (I know this because you tell me), while at the same time I know I can't be, all while fighting my own pride to show that at the end of the day, I'm just like you.

I know what it means to be insecure. I know how many times those words they said are replayed in your mind. And even when they don't say it, I know how you say it to yourself for them, and you damn yourself for it, over and over again.

You're never good enough, are you?

Those words are powerful, I know. And you don't forgive yourself easily, either.

You aren't ready to open up to them. You don't want them to see you as you are, because don't want to give them anything to use against you. You don't want them to be able to count your failings when they're deciding whether or not to trust you again.

I may be incapable of fully loving you, but I love you, because when I look at you, I can see myself, weak and vulnerable and broken, struggling to break free of the words that weigh you down. I know that while it's not what you're willing to say you need, you need it, because I do too.

Please let me in.

I can't promise that I will never hurt you, because I'm just like you, and you understand how sometimes you lack the courage to love instead of hurt someone. As much as I would like to, I will not let myself promise never to hurt you. I will always try to show you how much you're worth, but I know that I'm not capable of making you whole.