A Love Worth Protecting

There’s a certain kind of ache that hits you when you realize the person you love is hurting—especially when you are the one who caused the pain. I felt that ache deep in my chest as Vincey opened up to me during our conversation.

He told me about his hinanakit—the feelings he had kept to himself for some time. He shared how there were moments he felt upset, especially when we had misunderstandings or arguments. His words hit me harder than I expected: he felt like I shared too much with other people, that I posted things online instead of coming to him directly. He wanted to be the first to know, not the last.

As I listened, I could feel his emotions in every word he said. Vincey wasn’t speaking out of anger but from a place of care and vulnerability. He valued our relationship enough to be honest, even when it wasn’t easy.

But it didn’t end there.

He opened up about something I hadn’t considered deeply enough—his uncertainty about whether I had truly moved on from my past. He admitted that my closeness to my ex’s family and the photos I hadn’t yet deleted on social media made him question things. He wondered if I was fully present with him, or if pieces of me were still tied to someone else.

His words made me pause. I had never looked at things from his perspective. While I knew my intentions were pure, I could see how my actions might have made him feel overlooked or unimportant.

And then he said something that struck me the most: “You’re looking for an emotionally intelligent man, but sometimes I wonder if you’re showing that same emotional intelligence toward me.”

Those words stayed with me.

It wasn’t just about social media posts or misunderstandings—it was about the way I had unknowingly hurt him by not fully considering how my actions might affect him. Vincey didn’t say these things to blame me or make me feel guilty. He said them because he valued what we had and wanted us to be stronger together.

I took a deep breath before responding.

I told him that if it would give him peace of mind, I was willing to let go of my connection with my ex’s family. It wasn’t an easy thing to say, but I meant every word. Because this relationship with Vincey? It’s worth it.

After our conversation, I sat quietly with my thoughts. It hurt knowing I had caused him to feel this way, but it also humbled me. I realized that love isn’t just about being with someone—it’s about taking accountability, being open to growth, and sometimes, putting their peace above your pride.

That night, I called him again. I apologized—not just for the things he pointed out but for the pain I had unintentionally caused. I told him how much I appreciated his honesty and how much I valued him for sharing his heart with me.

“Thank you for telling me how you feel,” I said. “I know I haven’t been perfect, and I’m sorry for the times I made you question my commitment. I want you to know that you’re my priority. I’ll work on myself—not just for me but for us.”

This journey with Vincey has taught me that love isn’t just about the good times or the happy moments. It’s about being willing to have hard conversations, to reflect on your own actions, and to grow together through challenges.

I’ve learned that sometimes, love means taking a step back and asking yourself, “Am I showing the same care and understanding that I expect from my partner?” It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

For Vincey, I’m willing to let go of the things that don’t bring peace to our relationship. I’m willing to do the work because I believe in what we have.

To Vincey, if you’re reading this: I’m grateful for your patience and your honesty. Thank you for valuing us enough to share your heart, even when it’s hard. I see you, I hear you, and I love you. Together, we’ll keep growing, one step at a time.

Because this love we have? It’s worth everything.