I was looking for confirmation that I was beautiful (he needed my looks). I was looking for confidence (he had to be strong so I could be weak). I was looking for meaning (he had to be my purpose). I was looking for salvation (from loneliness, from self-doubt, from the fear that I wasn't good enough).

And when I found it, I was happy. Two weeks, two months. Then something would start... something. Discontent. Because the guy I chose couldn't be my reflection. He couldn't fill the holes I'd left in myself.

It sounds like typical psychologist advice. "First love yourself, then you'll find love." And I rolled my eyes when I heard it. But it's true. Not because it sounds nice, but because it works.