Emotions are a complicated thing. We don't come into life with a rule book or cheat sheet. There are no guidelines that blatantly spells out how you should feel in a given situation. We learn from experience. Standing vulnerable in a field until something hits us hard enough that we come to the realization that we must build walls to keep ourselves safe. With each blow to our heart the bricks pile higher and eventually it becomes virtually impossible for someone to get through to you as those walls have become the most comfortable home you've ever known.

A common misconception of these individuals is that they are thick headed, heartless or careless, but tell me this: why on earth would someone continue to leave all their cards on the table just to watch another person take advantage and leave? This doesn't mean these people are not capable of love, because they are. This doesn't mean they are uncaring, because they probably have the wellbeing of others on their mind more than the typical person. Being guarded means having consideration for others but being very cautious on who you allow to see the person that exists beneath ones exterior.

Few things are as suffocating as being overly emotional yet keeping a guard up. There is nothing they want more than to love, to give, to open up and have every skeleton of their closet be thrown into the open in order for others to understand. These people have simply learned that a love that is begged for isn't one that satisfies. It has been made clear from experience that many will find ways to touch your heart, but most with dirty hands and bad intentions. After a while it's easy to get sick and tired of cleaning up after those who have left a mess and walked away so you don't even give others the opportunity to do so. They sit and they wait for someone to come and try as hard for them as they have on the ghosts of their past.

No, this doesn't mean they're waiting for their knight in shining armor to come save them from the tower, it is much simpler than that. Ask them how their day has been. Notice when they seem to go silent in a crowded room. Respect their space when asked but understand that there comes a time where despite their rejection you need to grab some sweets and curl up next to them in bed, once you're there they'll be glad you disregarded them. When they love, they love fiercely and with no bounds. They will go to the ends of the galaxy to be and give you what you need to achieve the height of your happiness. The only catch is you need to gain their trust and understand that even when you've reached that level they will still be hesitant at times. The most important thing to remember when breaking the home of the guarded is this: when they allow their walls to fall they will need to find a new home. Assure them it is more than okay for them to find that in you.