"I Wish Someone Would've Told Me"

I wish someone would've told me
that ‘perfect’ doesn’t exist. 
And that striving for anyone else’s ideals would end in disappointment. 
I wish someone would’ve told me that being a people pleaser 
would cause me such unhappiness.
I wish someone would’ve told me that I didn’t have to make anyone proud,
but myself. And that I don’t need saving. 
I wish someone would’ve told me that I don’t have to say ‘yes’ to every invitation.
And that I’m worth more than just sex.
I wish someone would’ve told me that collecting red flags would only end in heartache.
And that my gut feeling always has the best intent. 
I wish someone would’ve told me that healing is when you step into the pain, 
not avoid it. 
Because now all these years later I am just figuring this out.
I wish someone would’ve told me.
Not that I would’ve listened, but it would’ve been nice to know. 

~R. Short