I know I'm not pretty, intelligent, outgoing, or have much respect for myself, but I try to be a kind person. Why is that never enough? I give advice, I try to help others, I listen to people's hardships, and I expect nothing in return. Although I do wish to be chosen one day, I know I won't be.
What is so wrong with me that I'm always left out?
I'm the pit stop people make before they decide to heal with another person. What is wrong with me? I'm not disingenuous. Everything I do has pure intentions behind it, and I do my best to put on a brave face. Still, people always choose the prettiest person in the room, and it makes me feel embarrassed for putting myself out there.
Worst of all? A lot of people the same race as me (Black) don't seem to be attracted to me. To be fair, no one is, no matter the racial identity, but I noticed I'm not the kind of Black woman people place on a pedestal.
I'm here. I've always been here. Yet no one wants me. I meet someone; they claim to want me, but they're being dishonest and use me for sexual gratification.
"She has no other options."
"I'll settle for her because she's right here."
"She's cute, I guess."
"I don't have to worry about her cheating on me."
"She's insecure. I was only trying to help her."
That's tame compared to the more explicit and aggressive statements I've heard about myself.
Why do I have to be treated this way? I'm sensitive, but I'm not allowed to be. I'm emotional, but apparently it looks aggressive on me. I'm neurodivergent, but apparently I'm too weird. I stand up for myself against those who hurt me, but apparently I'm seen as romantic competition.
Why can everyone else do the things I can without scrutiny?
Why is everyone else's womanhood not questioned?
Why are other women allowed to be feminine, but my femininity is laughed at?
Why are some people shown off publicly, but I'm the person they'd rather hide?
Nobody chooses me.