“We accept the love we think we deserve.” This is probably my favorite quote from my favorite book, "The Perks of Being a Wallflower."

The first love we experience as children is from our parents. We see the love they have for us and the love they have for each other. I know, especially in my family, my parents always hid their bickering from me and the rest of my siblings. As we grew up, however, we started to notice that their love was not as perfect as the childhood image we had of them.

I can remember at the young age of 15, I had a boy tell me he loved me. Even at that age, I knew that what we shared was not love, so to him I simply replied, “Thanks.” Not my usual quick-on-my-feet responses, I know. I always thought the first time I’d fall in love would be magical. Looking back on it now, there was a point that we both loved each other to the best ability that high schoolers can be in love. However, this definitely wasn't the fairytale expectation I had.

I think the worst part about falling in love, is the falling out of love. However, people change and life changes.I've had my confidence crushed, and as cheesy as it sounds, I've been in relationships in which I've forgotten how to love myself. I’ve forgotten that my opinion matters and that how I feel is important.

We don’t just need to accept any love we come across. The sad truth is that some people are undeserving of our love. We deserve so much more than the what that boy says we are. I wish I could tell all the women I know that they are the sun and that they are the amazing women who run this world.

So to every mom, sister,

best friend, aunt, etc. -- I hope you remember that someone else’s opinion of you is not your legacy. I hope you remember that not being in love does not decrease your worth. I hope you remember that your time is too precious to waste on people who are undeserving. Most of all, I hope you remember to put yourself above all else.