We grew up thinking we had to earn love. With medals. With success. By being the provider. But love was never meant to be earned. We are enough as we are. No conditions. No strings attached.
A content creator, a gold medalist, a popstar, and a singer. All doing well. All admired. But behind it all, they share one truth—they grew up thinking love had to be earned. That being enough was never enough.
In many Filipino homes, love feels like a trade. You give. You prove. You perform. Then maybe, just maybe, you get love in return. That kind of love is heavy. It makes you feel like a product. Like your worth depends on what you give, not who you are.
We need to end this. We need to raise kids who feel safe, not pressured. Who feel loved, not used. Who know they are enough, even on quiet days.
Love is not a prize. It’s not something you chase. It’s not a reward for being strong. Love should be a home. A soft place. A safe one.
May we all find that.
