Respect Begins with Space

One of the ways I’ve learned to love people better…

is by giving them space.

No pressure. No expectations. Just truth.

I don’t need long conversations to feel connection.
Sometimes five minutes can heal more than five hours.

I don’t want people to feel guilty for needing time
I just need to know how to show up,
so I can meet them in the moment they’re ready.

This is how I hold space for others.
And it’s how I wish to be held too.

I’ve realized I’m not the kind of person
who needs people to perform connection.

I just need real connection
Even if it’s rare.
Even if it’s quiet.

And I know I’m not alone in that.

So if you’ve ever felt guilty for needing space...
Or pressured to keep showing up when your soul needs rest

Your pace is valid.
Your silence is not rejection.
Your short bursts of presence are enough
when they come from the heart.

Let’s stop pretending we’re not carrying too much.
Let’s make new agreements that honor the truth
For ourselves,
And for those we love.

I write to understand, not to expose.
The people in my stories are reflections, not targets.
The truth I share is always my own.

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Until next time, sending love and peace,
🕯️
With gentleness,
HingsLotus

Philomena Petersen