Love Shouldn't Feel Like A Chore

I didn’t want much.

That’s the part no one hears.

(just… show up… mmm…)

I learned how to soften my voice,

Measured my tone like a test.

Learned when to speak, when to swallow it back,

Learned how to settle for less.

(again… again… so tired…)

I learned your moods like a schedule,

Your silence like a threat.

I carried the weight of every feeling

While you just… existed.

(done…)

I wasn’t asking for magic,

Or effort carved in stone.

Just don’t make me chase you

To feel like I’m not alone.

(mmm… no more…)

Love shouldn’t feel like a chore,

Like I’m clocking in, keeping score.

Shouldn’t have to ask to be chosen,

Or explain why I’m hurting once more.

(so… tired…)

If I have to teach you how to care,

If I’m begging for what should be there —

Then it isn’t love,

It’s unpaid labor,

And I’m so damn tired of working for it.

(done… again…)

I carried the weight of “we,”

While you carried excuses.

I patched the holes with hope

And called it compromise.

(always me…)

I said, “this hurts me,” calmly,

You said, “you’re too much,” quietly.

Funny how asking for effort

Turned me into the enemy.

(mmm… enemy…)

I don’t need perfection,

I don’t need grand displays.

I just needed consistency

That didn’t fade away.

(done… again…)

Love shouldn’t feel like a chore,

Like proving I’m worth something more.

Shouldn’t feel guilty for wanting

What everyone else gets for free.

(so… cold…)

If affection has to be negotiated,

If presence feels conditional,

Then this isn’t romance —

It’s survival,

And I’m done calling that love.

(done… done…)

I don’t want to manage your feelings,

Translate your silence,

Or remind you I exist.

(…no…)

I don’t want “if I have time,”

Or “I didn’t realize,”

Or love that shows up late and leaves early.

(done… again…)

I want ease.

I want effort that doesn’t resent me

For needing it.

(mmm… real…)

Love shouldn’t feel like work.

Shouldn’t drain me first.

Shouldn’t leave me asking

Why I’m always the one trying.

(done… done…)

If I have to beg for care,

If showing up feels unfair —

Then keep your almost-love.

I’m done working

For something that was never mutual.

(mmm… finished…)

Love is supposed to be given.

Not chased.

Not trained.

Not earned through exhaustion.

(done…)

And I’m done mistaking effort

For connection...