I feel compelled to say this Buddies, so please bear with me....
Love does not hurt
Love is not demeaning or toxic
Love does not mean setting aside your dignity and pride
Love does not require losing yourself and your opinions and your God given right to be respected.
Love does not mean allowing someone's ego to wound your spirit
Love is uplifting and food for your soul
Love means that you get to be flawed and imperfect but it inspires you to do better
Finally... love starts with the person you see in the mirror and knowing that the person looking back at you deserves to have a voice and the right to happiness.

Heavy stuff but very true..

Erika, I think you nailed it, and said something that a lot of people need to read.
See gang, there is a soft side to Erika!!!

I am so printing this out and putting it on my fridge!!!!!!!!

I just did it!

[b][i][size=4][color=#ff6666]Beautiful!!! [IMG]http://72.52.165.6

I guess you are poetic now, that is so cool and beautiful.
Rosa

I loved your post Erika, we all should love ourselves more!

I need to ask - what prompted you do write this?