"when love demands pretense, I choose respect that honours truth" this quote is copied from a source
Welcome to my blog; i would be giving you my thoughts using myself or what I know about myself as an illustration..
So I asked two of my friends and my brother this morning the question: 'would you rather be respected for who you are or be loved for who you're not'?
The first response was "Aah no o I choose respect for who I am, me that cannot pretend I can't even last with the pretense, I don't care what they think abeg.. please I choose you take me for who I am to avoid too much explanations" lolzz
Then the second reponse was similar..
My brother's response was the same too..
Now let's analyse this: the first response you'll get from anyone asked this question would probably be the same which is Respect for who we are but then deep down are we actually sincere about this answer or is it because this is what is actually what people would want us to say; now this too is "wanting to be loved for who you're not" ...
The question here from my perspective is how genuine can you be cos sometimes we pretend yes maybe to be accepted for a certain position or a group or something else but how long can you keep it up.. maybe because we are struggling to prove what we are not or I can't really say, it depends on what you're trying to achieve.
This is me reminiscing about what I think of myself #flora11
I am someone who refuses to be defined by surface appearances. For me, authenticity is not just a preference, it’s a principle. I would rather walk in truth, even if it’s misunderstood, than to be loved for playing a role that isn’t mine.
Take for instance, at my walk in store, where people also meet me for their thrift contributions, I'd rather tell you these are the rules for this contributions so you'll be aware than just smile and let you be so I can gain you as a customer, of course I have to do that in a polite manner but then if I'm misunderstood, I really don't take it to heart because at least I know I have made my point and I wasn't rude in the process, also considering that my line of business requires integrity to keep standing.
My life shows a balance of strength and softness. I have carried responsibility from a young age — as the only and first daughter among brothers, as a mother, as a wife, and as a woman creating paths in business. That responsibility has shaped resilience in me, but it never hardened me. I still remain thoughtful, reflective, and capable of seeing beauty in the little things, from family moments to spiritual experiences.
At my very core, I seek connection that is real. I am not satisfied with shallow acceptance (nah that's not me). I want people who can sit with the weight of my honesty, correct me when needed, appreciate me without flattery, and support me without conditions (even if there are conditions at least let it be genuine). That desire comes from knowing myself enough to understand that masks may win quick love, but truth builds lasting bonds.
My journey is one of alignment; making sure that my inner self and outer life do not contradict each other. This means sometimes I wrestle with loneliness or misunderstanding, because not everyone is ready for truth. But I carry the quiet courage to choose the harder path if it means keeping my integrity.(It doesn't mean that I don't have flaws and imperfections but I'd prefer when you see those and accept or respect me than pretend and be loved)
I would also say I'm layered: spiritual and practical, strong and vulnerable, giving yet aware of my own needs. People who know me deeply can’t put me in one box — and this is my gift or so I think. I remind people and myself in that moment of truth that wholeness is complex, and that being “real” is more valuable than being “perfect.”
✨ If I put it in one reflective sentence: I am a resilient, reflective, and authentic soul who chooses truth over performance, and whose strength lies in being fully human — layered, real, and unafraid of depth. I am also ready to accept consequences positive or negative regarding the choices I make.
All images used are mine and was taken as a reflection of my thoughts
Thank you for reading through.
#onelovefromflora11