just love yourself, they say.
as if it's so easy.
as if I can just utter the words and actually believe them.

don't talk about yourself that way, they say.
as if I think I deserve anything else.
as if I can start telling myself
I'm amazing.
I'm strong.
I'm worthy of love.
when all of it just feels like a lie.

why are you like this? they ask.
as if I don't already ask myself the same question every single day.
as if I don't ******* hate myself already.
as if I needed a reminder that I'm broken,
when I'm the one who feels it.
as if I even know.

I love you, they say.
as if I can believe it.
but how can anyone love me?
because I know myself best
and I don't even love me.

- Naomi Harasti