Life gets lonely at times and we all enjoy someone who is willing to give us attention. Unfortunately, a problem arises when someone gives us the attention that, in the moment, may feel good, but in the long-run only ends up hurting us. As women, we are primarily subject to this type of treatment, and often we put up with it, because “hey, at least he’s giving me the time of day.” We settle for superficial relationships, if they can even be called that, consisting of late night texts and Snapchats followed by a period of “ghosting,” only for guys to pop up in our notification weeks later without an explanation. To this, I must say, You. Are. Worth. More.

Today, we live in a culture that tells men it is okay to objectify women and treat them as if they are only a tool to be used to relieve their sexual frustrations instead of someone to be cherished and genuinely cared for. This culture takes the intimacy out of sex and frowns upon the development of feelings if two people do happen to sleep together. Acting as if you like someone automatically makes you vulnerable, and to avoid getting hurt, we act as if the “casual” label will put a Band-Aid on the wound and make the situation more bearable emotionally. For a time this usually works, but in the long-run—not so much.

I’ve been there; I’ve been involved with boys that only wanted casual in hopes that they might just change their mind and realize that I was worth their time and worth a real relationship. Spoiler alert on this one: they never did. But was this any fault of my own? No, it was not. Was it because there was anything wrong with me? No, absolutely not. At the end of the day, boys are going to want what they want, and if those wants don’t align with yours, maybe it is time to consider getting yourself out of something that is bound to turn toxic sooner or later because you are worth more.

You are worth more than the 3 AM Snapchats asking for “pics ;).” You are worth more than the late night, “you up?” texts followed by a request to come over. You are worth more than a collection of body parts to be used and not loved. You are worth more than empty promises. You are worth more than superficial sexual attention. You are a human being with aspirations, hopes, and dreams that are worth anything and everything a man has to offer.