The Thing About People

The thing about people who love you
vs.
Those who just want to get something from you
Is that the ones who love you
Cultivate a sense of reverence
For your boundaries,
And so are less likely
Act upon you
And more likely to engage
You in dialogue,
Ask for permission,
Give you space,
Take a no at face-value.

Sure, in films they make it sound
As if those who truly love
Can see through smoke-screens
And know your inner needs
Better than you,
But in real life
The person who thinks she knows
What you want
Better than you
Is probably someone
Who wants her idea of you
More than the actual you.