08 · My Promise
Six promises, all of them yours to hold me to.
A promise that asks something in return isn’t a promise. None of these do.
I
I will always respect your decision.
Yes, no, or nothing at all — each one is a complete answer, and none of them needs explaining.
II
Your comfort matters more than my feelings.
If anything here makes things awkward, tell me and I'll step back without argument.
III
Your happiness matters.
Not as a condition of anything. Simply because it does.
IV
I will never make you feel guilty.
You owe me nothing for a feeling you didn't ask for and couldn't have prevented.
V
Nothing changes in how I treat you.
The same courtesy, the same distance you're comfortable with, the same respect.
VI
Whether we walk together or not, I will always wish the best for you.
That part isn't conditional on anything at all.