Tough love: another version of "being too cruel to be kind," as defined by Urban Dictionary.
Tough love is the root of character development to be given some tough criticism, even if it seems a little bitter sometimes.
No one likes critical feedback, especially when it comes from a loved one. It can also be incredibly hard as a friend to help out, knowing that the outcome is unpredictable.
But, the thing about tough love is that it needs to be told from someone who knows you more than anyone—someone who has seen you at your best, but sticks around for your worst. They know you have the potential to be spontaneous, even if it means giving them a little shove in the right direction when they lose their way.
But tough love isn't easy.
Love is full of disagreements and arguments, and pushing someone to be the best version of themselves because you know they have the potential to do so.
You want nothing but the best for them.
Love is choosing to see past their flaws and faults, but also putting your foot down. Tough love takes patience. But that's what love is...patient.
It takes bravery to tell someone when they're out of line or harmful to themselves. It can take loads of time to knock down their walls to get them to listen. Some people won't be able to take the pressure and just walk away from it all. But then there are those people who will fight back. Who try to push you away but you choose to stay. They make subtle changes and look to you for guidance. Please keep those people around.
You are a bigger part in someone's life than you think you are.
Times will get tough, through the fights and hopelessness for the future, but if your love is true and strong enough, you'll conquer it. It may require changes and might push you to the absolute edge, but in the end you will find it could be everything you've needed.
But sometimes tough love isn't enough. No matter how hard you try, you can't force someone to see a problem with their actions and behaviors. If they don't want to try to better themselves because they don't see what they're doing wrong, you just have to accept that you can't change a person.
We expect love to be rainbows and butterflies, but in my opinion, I think that's just a fairy tale we all know and want. But real love means telling someone when they are in the wrong, that they need to be pointed into the direction. Ignoring someone and their mistakes or entirely letting them go is not love. Love is a great challenge and takes time.
Love and relationships are hard work, but if it's real, you'll stick around for the tough times and give them the tough love they deserve.
Listen when someone is giving you tough love, but also be careful giving it. It's not going to be easy, but just remember in the end that it is called tough love for a reason.
It will all be worth it in the long run.
