He Does Not Define You | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

He Does Not Define You

A different take on heartbreak.

27
He Does Not Define You
Alt Reading

His mouth is the deepest impact crater on this side of entropy. His hands are dispassionate and his patience is dissipating. You never leave the house without your eyes shimmery as an August evening, but he always finds an almost, a not-quite;the bread you made his tomato and mayonnaise sandwich with tastes soggy, the fabric softener you doused his socks in smells like cough syrup, the iced tea you brewed is much more bitter than his mother's.

A boy like this does not love you. You may think he does--hell, he might think he does, but love does not live between retrograde and reason. Love cannot exist as an annuity with compound interest.

Maybe you're not a child anymore, but the lesson of "seen and not heard' lingers longer than conversation Spanish or french verb tenses; you speak in subjunctif, the relation between the probable and possible, the risk of telling someone else what you wished.

Maybe his grasp never grazes too close to the carotid, but you flinch when he says your name like a lozenge, thinning under the tongue, dissolving into a scarlet called caution.

Maybe he compares you to girls whose names you'll never know, or your best friend with eyes visceral as the Venus Rover. Maybe he tweets about you while you're at work, or tells his friends you're too uptight at every opportunity. Maybe he breaks up with you for another minutiae, and then begs you to take him back within the next 3-5 business days.

Maybe he doesn't put his hands on you, but that doesn't mean you aren't allowed to open your palms, show him your throat, and let go.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

23805
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

9942
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7206
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments