“I was washing the dishes and the sneaky bastard crept up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist. And kissed me. Right here.” I pointed angrily to my neck. “Can I not have him committed or something?”Dr. Pritchard snorted. “For loving you?”I drew back, shaking my head in disgust. “Dr. Pritchard,” I admonished softly. “Whose side are you on?”“Braden’s.”
— Samantha Young
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"“I was washing the dishes and the sneaky bastard crept up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist. And kissed me. Right here.” ... “For loving you?” ... “Whose side are you on?” “Braden’s.”" — Samantha Young. When you're used to survival mode, genuine tenderness can feel terrifyingly unfamiliar. Have you ever struggled with letting your guard down and simply letting someone love you? Share your thoughts below! ✨
About this quote
When you have spent years building walls around your heart to keep pain out, genuine affection can feel like an ambush. For those accustomed to self-reliance and emotional survival, tenderness doesn't always feel safe; it feels disruptive. A spontaneous embrace at the kitchen sink or an unearned kiss on the neck can trigger our deepest defense mechanisms, making us want to push away the very intimacy we secretly crave. Yet true love often sneaks in through life's most ordinary, unscripted moments. It does not ask for permission to break through your fortress—it simply arrives to remind you that you are worthy of quiet, unconditional care. Learning to receive affection is just as brave as giving it. It requires surrendering the exhausting habit of constant vigilance and trusting that someone can stand beside you without breaking you. Take this gentle reminder to heart: stop prosecuting the people who simply want to love you. When tenderness catches you off guard in the middle of a mundane day, resist the urge to retreat. Soften your shoulders, exhale, and allow yourself to be held.
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