Please don’t tell me not to do something. And please don’t be mad when I do something that you tell me not to do. I understand my defiance upsets you. I also understand why my defiance surprises you. You are surprised because you expected me to obey. You are upset because I will not give you your way.
Tell me why I should. Tell me why you deserve to get your way. Tell me why I should trust you more than I trust myself. Tell me why you don’t feel you need to explain yourself. Tell me why you believe this.
I’ll tell you why.
This interaction is how it has always been between us. Because you expected it and because I obliged. Because I wanted you to like me, and I know my obedience would guarantee it. You don’t know any other way to be with me.
Is this what it boils down to? A pissing contest? A battle of wills? A fight to restore imbalance? Please don’t do it. Don’t close your mind. Please don’t walk away.
I have never wanted to control you, nor have I tried to lead you. Do you think that makes me weak? That makes me strong. Be honest. Isn’t that what is bothering you?
If I am strong, then you must be weak.