Easter is my love story
People think of Valentine’s Day as the celebration of love. But for me, it has recently become Easter. Because when I look back on my life, I see a long, aching search for love. As a child, I wanted to be seen, chosen, delighted in. I came into the world with intense emotions, but instead of being affirmed, I was often chided. I learned early that the way I felt—deeply, vividly—was too much. So I went looking for love. In attention. In being beautiful and smart. But what I found there was surface validation; something that looked like love, but never held me. I tried to be clever. To work hard. To excel at something—anything—that would make me unforgettable. I wanted someone to see my value. I built a life I could be proud of. I shaped myself around what was needed, trying to make myself valuable wherever I was placed. I told myself I asked for very little. I gave so much, hoping it would finally be enough. But all these attempts at love left me empty. Because I am flawed. A...