This is my personal experience and modern-day version of the poem "After Awhile".
After awhile, you learn that text messages and emails aren’t real conversations;
And you learn that “MUAH” and “MISS U” don’t make up for time spent together;
And you begin to learn that a peck “hello” and “goodbye” aren’t real kisses and the promise of a present...just doesn’t exist;
And you learn to draw boundaries, and communicate clearly and calmly, even when you’re scared of how things might turn out;
And you learn to focus on “what is” and not “what if”;
After awhile, you learn that “three red flags” promotes a pattern or problem;
So call up a girlfriend, go out to dinner, have a good laugh or cry;
And you learn that you really can be independent;
And you really are intelligent;
And you really do deserve respect!
~Joy Darlene DeBoard
