Just Doing Mi, a YouTuber, shared a phrase that really stuck with me.

«Love yourself enough to leave.»

What does that mean?

Know your self-worth and act on it. When Amy was in the villa she had to live with the man who broke her heart, Curtis. In a setting where you are constantly around your heartbreaker, whom you still love, it is sometimes hard to remember why the relationship did not work. It can also be hard to realize how to let go of someone when you are still very physically close to them. I think women are more likely to «tough it out» with a man who is causing them pain rather than doing what is best for themselves. We think we should be more patient, more affectionate, more submissive…more more more of someone we think they want us to be. Sometimes you have to give yourself space to be who you are instead of being consumed in someone else.

It is important not to forget yourself around others or in situations you cannot control.

Curtis broke up with Amy in the villa and that made her feel miserable and unworthy. No one’s worth or happiness is dependent on a single person or situation. Seeing Curtis everyday in the villa was hurting Amy and preventing easy healing. She was angry that Curtis had rejected her. Some times instead of waiting for things to change, trying to force them to change, or being completely unsatisfied with the current situation, it is better to remove yourself. Give yourself a better chance to grow rather than wallow in the safety of pain.

You have to love yourself enough to be strong for yourself.

We are responsible for our own happiness. No one can give it to us. It is not contrived from the outside world. Happiness actually comes from within like any other emotion or mindset.

I loved myself enough to leave my father. He betrayed me for his girlfriend. He accused me of disliking the woman and constantly defended her to me. I felt like a villain that had never done an evil deed. As a matter of fact I hardly know her; we’ve only met a handful of times. She didn’t warm to me immediately, neither I to her. The atmosphere was awkward between us. Although she is older, my father blamed me and swore I didn’t like her. It really broke my heart because it wasn’t fair of him to accuse and choose over me. I expressed to my father how his accusations and betrayal made me feel and nothing changed. The situation was hurtful, so I removed myself.

If you can’t change your environment, change your mind.

When the situation didn’t change, I did. I let go. I decided to love myself enough to heal and distance made that easier. I’m sad my father and I aren’t who we used to be together, but I’m excited for the new life I’m building for myself.

«It’s better to be happy and alone than unhappy with someone.» – Marilyn Monroe

Amy was a strong woman for taking responsibility for herself the way she did. She left the villa with respect. Love yourself rather than waiting for someone to treat you right. Your feelings belong to you.