Because You Asked

I pride myself on being a good listener and go out of my way to let the people I care about know that I'm there for them. I do this, because I know all to well what it's like to not have someone there for me when I need them. Not that it's entirely everybody elses selfishness or whatever their reasons for not being there. I'll be the fiirst to admit I'm infamous for keeping people at arm's length and that I don't let them in. But my reasons for that are for another time. This time and this blog are not about me...

This blog is the product of some very careful thinking on my part after a conversation I had with my little brother last night. I could've answered his questions right away, but I chose not to because what I tell him might affect the rest of his life. Any hasty half-ass advice could lead some very destructive consequences, and I've already caused enough destruction in my past for both of us, and I do not want to be responsible for any more if it can be avoided.

So below are the two questions I was asked and the answers that I have to give from the bottom of my heart.

I was asked: "How do I prove to her that I'm worth it? That I'm different than the other guys?"

And here is my reply:

My dear little brother. The questions that you have asked me are not as easy to answer as I thought they would be. Yet, at the same time, the answers are obvious. I'm drawing my answers to your questions from experiences in my own life. They may not be the right answers, but they are honest and from my heart.

Back in the day, a man proved his worth by going on a long quest or completing some danngerous assinine task. Now, all a man has to do to prove his worth is show a willingness to open his heart and to open his mind, and be willing to go beyond the norm and get down to the nitty gritty of the person whose heart you're trying to win. You have to be willing to stand by this person, and be willing to learn the pieces of them that are always below the surface and almost always out of reach. The pieces of them that are hard to take. Not an easy task if the person looks like Ghengis Khan when they're pissed at you. O_O

You have to think outside the box, think about things that you wouldn't normally think about. You have to be willing to put yourself out there to have your heart ripped out and stomped on, be willing to say you're sorry when you're really not just to make peace. Willing to give it your all and love with all your heart, knowing that you might get hurt and have your heart broken. Be willing to risk everything you have to be with this person, and to tell them you will. If they will.

You have to be willing to say "Be with me, and I promise I will love you until the goddamn stars burn out..." AND MEAN IT!!

Great love involves great risk!!

I could say more, but my little brother isn't dumb, and I'm fairly certain he'll figure out what he needs to do. Besides, he knows he's got a totally awesome big sis who will be here for him every step of the way. All he has to do is ask.

I love you bro. I hope this helps.

All my love,
Jack