Dear Someone: You deserve a love that chooses you back.

Read this if you've poured your heart into someone who only gave you excuses, if you've been waiting for them to change their mind, or if you're struggling to let go of a love that wasn't reciprocated

Dear, Dear Someone, _

This letter is for you, the one who has been standing at the crossroads of hope and heartache, waiting for someone to choose you, to see your worth, to meet your love with equal fervor. You who has been trying, crying, caring, sacrificing, hoping, believing, holding on, giving—all while thinking that one day, they would see the light and step into your world with the same intensity. But they didn't. And it hurts.

You've been clinging to the hope that they would understand, that they would empathize, that they would reciprocate. You've been holding onto the belief that if you just tried a little harder, cared a little deeper, sacrificed a little more, they would finally see the future you've been dreaming of. But their actions—or lack thereof—have spoken louder than any words they could have said. They've chosen not to choose you.

It's a painful realization, isn't it? To understand that the love you've been nurturing has been a one-way street. To see that the future you've been envisioning has been a solo dream. To accept that the effort you've been putting in hasn't been matched, or even acknowledged. It's like watching a beautiful sunset, only to turn around and find that no one else saw the magnificence you witnessed.

But listen closely, dear heart. Their inability to see your worth, to match your love, to choose you—it's not a reflection of your value. It's a reflection of their limitations. It's not about your lack of anything; it's about their inability to give you what you deserve. And what you deserve is a love that chooses you back, every single day.

You deserve someone who sees your effort and matches it. Someone who understands your love language and speaks it fluently. Someone who recognizes your worth and cherishes it. Someone who chooses you, not just on the good days, but on the hard ones too. You deserve a love that is consistent, that is sure, that is unwavering.

Stop waiting for them to change their mind. Stop hoping that they'll finally see what they've been missing. Stop believing that one day, they'll wake up and realize that you're the one they've been looking for. Because the truth is, if they haven't seen it by now, they're not going to. And you deserve so much more than being someone's afterthought or backup plan.

You've been trying to make them see you, to make them understand you, to make them love you. But love isn't something you can force or coerce. It's not something you can make happen through sheer willpower or determination. Love is a choice, and it's a choice they're not making. And that's okay. Because it means you're free to make a choice too.

Choose to let go. Choose to accept that their lack of effort, their lack of reciprocation, their lack of choice—it's all a sign that they're not the one for you. Choose to believe that you deserve more than crumbs of affection, more than half-hearted attempts at love, more than being someone's second best.

Choose to redirect all that love, all that effort, all that hope—choose to redirect it back to yourself. Choose to nurture your own heart, to heal your own wounds, to grow your own dreams. Choose to be your own champion, your own cheerleader, your own best friend. Because you deserve it. You deserve to be chosen, to be seen, to be loved. And it starts with you choosing yourself.

It's time to stop waiting for them to come back, to change their mind, to see your worth. It's time to start moving forward, to start healing, to start living again. It's time to open your heart to the possibility of a love that chooses you back, a love that matches your effort, a love that sees your worth and celebrates it.

It's time to let go of the hope that's been anchoring you to the past, to the pain, to the heartache. It's time to embrace the hope that's been waiting for you in the future, the hope that's been beckoning you towards a love that's real, that's true, that's worthy of you.

Remember this: you are not defined by their inability to choose you. You are not diminished by their failure to see your worth. You are not broken because this didn't work out. You are strong. You are worthy. You are enough. And you deserve a love that knows it too.

So, dear heart, let them go. Let go of the hope that's been holding you back, the hope that's been keeping you stuck, the hope that's been blinding you to the truth. Let go, and make space for a love that chooses you, that fights for you, that believes in you. A love that is worthy of you.

With hope for your future,

—Ali Papa.

PS — Letting go can feel like the hardest thing in the world, but it's also the most courageous act of self-love you can give yourself. It’s not about closing your heart to love; it’s about protecting it until the right one comes along—the one who will cherish it, nurture it, and meet you where you are. Letting go means you're opening yourself to the kind of love that doesn't need to be chased or convinced.

Remember, love should never leave you questioning your worth or begging for reciprocity. You are worthy of a connection that illuminates your life, not dims your light. Trust that every step you take away from what wasn’t meant for you is a step closer to the love that is. Trust that the love you deserve is out there, waiting for you to make space for it. And when it comes, it will be clear, consistent, and unmistakably yours. Hold on to that hope, keep your heart open, not for them, but for yourself — for the beautiful future that’s waiting for you. The best is yet to come.

Remember also that healing isn't linear. There will be days when memories flood back and you question everything—your worth, your decisions, even this very letter. On those days, be gentle with yourself. Cry if you need to. Scream if it helps. But don't reach out to them. Instead, reach inward and remember why you chose to walk away.

The heart that once ached for their attention will gradually learn to beat to its own rhythm again. The spaces they once occupied in your mind will slowly fill with new dreams, new possibilities, and perhaps, when you're ready, new love. A love that feels like coming home rather than chasing after something always just out of reach.

You may wonder if they'll ever realize what they lost. Perhaps they will, perhaps they won't. But that's no longer your story to follow. Your story is about rediscovering the parts of yourself that dimmed while waiting for someone else's light. It's about remembering that you are whole on your own—not half of something waiting to be completed.

So take that first step away from what hurts toward what heals. Join others who understand this journey at our community where we navigate heartbreak, loneliness, and matters of the heart together:

P.S.S.— This letter is a tribute to all the souls who wander in the shadows of curiosity, who question if my words are meant for them. You are the ones who inspire me, who fill my pages with your stories, your hopes, your fears. You are the ones who make me feel less alone, who share this journey with me, who breathe life into my letters. This letter is for you, and only you.

—Today's Meditation:

May you find the courage to let go of what no longer serves your heart. May we all remember that love is not something to chase, but something that flows freely when it’s right. May you learn to trust the timing of your life, knowing that what is meant for you will never require you to beg. May the wounds of unreciprocated love heal with the balm of self-compassion. May everything you gave in love return to you tenfold in the form of peace, joy, and clarity. May you see your worth even in the moments when others fail to. May we all learn to protect our hearts while keeping them open to possibility. May you embrace the beauty of your own company and the strength within you. May the love you seek begin with the way you treat yourself today. May the memories of what was fade gently, leaving space for what can be. May you release the hope that holds you back and embrace the hope that moves you forward. May every step you take away from pain lead you closer to your truest self. May you believe, even now, that the love you deserve is out there, waiting to find you.

—Thank you for taking the time to read my letters.

If you love this letter, you’ll love my books. They are written for you, to warm your heart and soul. They are written for broken hearts of all shapes and sizes. They are full of good things—everything I have been wanting to say to you and they are available for FREE download to all tribe members.

If you were unable to find yourself in today's letter, you don't have to worry. Tell me what you feel here, and I will write you a personal letter. The same God who can help you get by in life can also help you excel in life.

—Who is Ali Papa?

I'm a husband, father, friend, and merchant of faith, hope, and love, crafting heartfelt letters for every season and story. Writing to you is more than a hobby for me. It's a passion, a calling, and a way of life. I pour my heart and soul into every letter I send you, hoping to inspire you, inform you, heal with compassion, illuminate paths, instill courage, uplift spirits, spread positivity, and connect with sincerity.

My wish is that you continue to find the words that express your deepest and strongest emotions from them, regardless of the circumstances, and that you keep experiencing life, love, freedom, and fulfilment in your relationship. I live in Port Harcourt with my supportive wife and three adorable kids, who teach me the value of love every day.

For daily reminders of your worth, healing affirmations, and a safe space to share your journey, follow Vistas of Hope Instagram, Facebook, Threads, or 𝕏 page and become part of a supportive family who understands exactly what you're going through. Every like, share, and comment helps another heart find their way to healing. Your presence in Vistas of Hope community matters more than you know.