Roses Wither Away

Hello again ladies, the other day I was cruising down the road listening to some good ole country music when a Faith Hill song came on. I believe the the title of this song is "Take me as I am". I listened and pondered the following words of the chorus:

I don't need a bed of roses
Cause roses wither away
all I really need is honesty
and someone with a strong heart
and a gentle hand
who will take me as I am

The more I thought about these words of truth, the more concerned I became for so many women. So many women, both young and old fall for the false realities we see in movies. These false depictions show us a a bed of roses that seems to never end. Sure, we may acknowledge that "it's just a movie" but we continue to hope and sometimes even start to believe that that's the way true love is in reality. We begin to build our lives and intimate relationships around fantasies that are unrealistic. We fall in love with who we want or hope our significant other to be, rather than accepting them for who they are. This mind set, sets us up for a world of disappointment.

After all if we can't accept who they really are, how can we expect them to be honest, strong, or to take us as we are. I challenge you ladies to evaluate your relationships and ask yourself a few questions, who are you choosing to date? Who are you married to? Are you happy with them, when they are their best and worst (are they happy with you?)

Don't get me wrong it okay to fantasize a bit but be sure you share the fantasy. In the mean time, try to set realistic expectations for one another and work toward a stronger, longer, and deeper commitment, where roses are not just roses that wither away, but roses transform into little unforgettable moments between just the two of you.


May your lives be full of Love!

Jessica D. Cleveland, M.S., LPC,NCC