They said to not hit when being assaulted.

Even though that's the first thing that would come into your mind.

Just remove his hand and walk away as fast as you can.

They said not to talk about it.

It’s not masculine to admit you weren’t the one having pleasure in that encounter.

Just keep quiet and don’t make a sound.

They said that your uncle wasn’t getting too close.

He was just trying to get along with you.

Just ignore the burning stares and lingering touches.

They said not to lay your hands on a girl.

How else are you going to tell her you don’t want it when your words fail you.

Just sit back and enjoy her falling over you.

They said not to worry about that guy who gropes you in the hallway.

It was an accident.

Just let it go and stop being so uptight.

They said that you're the more stronger one.

Flip her over and take control.

Just make her feel good.

They said that he's drawing patterns on your skin.

Not leaving scars for the rest of your life.

Just lay back and enjoy his so called gentle touches.

They said that getting love notes from a girl was her being desperate.

Appreciate it and bask in the attention.

Ignore the fact she broke into your house once.

They said to not wear short skirts and leave the house after sunset.

Boys will come after you when you look like that.

Who cares if you say no?

They said to wear your masculinity proudly.

Exert your so called power over girls.

Show her who's really in charge.

They said consent is important.

No one can touch you without your consent.

In that case, what is the meaning of no?

They said drugs are recreational.

Girls cannot drug boys.

You must have taken it with your drink.

They told me that boys will be boys.

Boys are boys, boys are untouchable.

Boys are gods in this patriarchal society.

They told me that girls are for our pleasure.

Girls are to be used for what we want.

Girls have no other purpose other than to be an outlet for us.

I told myself otherwise.

Boys will not be boys.

No is no.

Girls have feelings.

Girls have a purpose and are not meant for tragedy.

Worth should not be measured by the length of your skirt or the amount of makeup on your face.

I told myself, enough is enough.

Boys can get raped.

Boys can be victimized.

Crying is not feminine, it is being human.

Consent of a boy is worth the same as the consent of a girl.

Worth isn’t measured by ethnicity or sports.

We told them.

Rape isn’t sexual activities without consent and can be punished by the law.

Rape is when a person is forced into doing anything remotely sexual without consent and the aftermath destroys a person.

I loved the way your eyes crinkled in the corners when you smiled.

No, not your fake smile, your genuine smile.

It’s so breathtaking that it feels as if flowers bloom for you.

I loved the way that you can talk about anything.

The amount of passion and excitement that fills your voice.

I could listen to it for days.

I loved the way your hand didn’t really fit in mine.

It reminded me of our imperfections and how we came to be one.

The comfort that radiated from you was welcoming.

I loved your drive, your determination.

When you wanted something you had your heart set on it.

Even though this often showed how stubborn you are.

I loved the way you managed to make me laugh.

Your mock disappointment when I didn’t get your jokes.

The small smile you’ll be fighting off when you hear me apologizing.

I loved the way you looked at me.

As if I was your own star on earth.

It made me feel special and I enjoyed it however much it embarrassed me.

I loved the way I felt around you.

It was as if my heart and my head were in a constant battle.

To freely fall or not?

I loved your height.

Even though you often complained about it.

I didn’t mind, I never will.

I loved the way you became my orbit.

It was magical yet terrifying.

I never knew I could care so much for one person.

I loved the way I loved you.

It was a blazing fire that burnt brightly.

Until I got too close and burnt myself.

Most of all, I loved the way you loved me.

You made me feel beautiful and pretty.

I would never admit it but my love for myself has sky rocketed since you showed me how to love myself.

I loved you for who you were and are.

So thank you for letting me see your smile and letting me in. 

I thought you were my oxygen tank. When you left I didn't know how to breathe. I felt as if a part of me was ripped away. In a way it was. It was my fault for getting so attached to you in such a short time. The time we had seemed never ending but it ended with a blink of an eye.

I closed my eyes and tried to take a breathe, yet I was still struggling for air. 

I was frustrated beyond belief. Then it occurred to me, yes you were my oxygen tank. Yes, you made me happier than words could explain. But I would always be my permanent oxygen tank. I may be low at times and need someone else, but ultimately I make my decisions.

And I would never let myself suffocate without warning.

We start off as stardust. Floating around, waiting for a chance. Living life but feeling empty inside. People would come and go. Feeling a rush when you're with someone, hold on to that. Those who are lucky, feel exhilarated with everything they do. These people feel the deepest and their love is pure. The broken ones, once they find someone to hold on to, they will never let go. Their love is indescribable and for the most part indestructible. When two different people from different backgrounds crash into each others world, it is indeed a collision of atoms. But we are only human and and we can only take so much fire in our veins. And the goal should be to give out as much fire before burning out ourselves and becoming stardust once again.

Oh lover, do you remember the first time I reached out to you? The period of time where I tried to set you up with my best friend. The time where I teased you endlessly. When I fell for you it was dynamic, in every sense of the word. You entered my own solar system, and I orbited around you. Memories of us dance in my head all the time. Lights flashing. Peoples laughter. Our smiles. Then one day it was all gone. All gone and sacrificed for the future. I tell myself everyday, that it was for your own good and that I mustn't be selfish. The violin cannot play itself, it needs to be played. The strings need to pulled and tightened. Only then can it play a piece that captivates you and makes you hold your breath. Our relationship was a piece that we never gotten around to finishing. I refuse to believe this is the end of something so breathtaking. Yet it was your decision and I want to respect that. I'm sorry lover. For not fighting when I had the chance to.