The lessons you've taught me

You've taught me that real love doesn't exist,
and that it's all just a matter of convenience.

You’ve taught me that the potential for the future and what it could hold,
will always take a back seat to immediate simplicity.

You've taught me that the values I was raised with belong in another time and place
and are not meant for today's world of selfishness.

You've taught me that my belief in trusting someone until they give me a reason not to, is the wrong approach,
and that from the onset, trust should be something you earn, is never unconditional, and that you will always need to keep looking over your shoulder.

You've taught me that no relationship is sacred
and that they are all up for grabs.

You've taught me to be more ruthless, more untrusting, and more selfish - and now,
I've become even more jaded and skeptical.

You've taught me that the sacrifices you make for love are a waste of feeling and effort,
and that it will mean nothing at the end of it all, and will leave you feeling worthless, empty, and lonely.

You've taught me that giving your whole heart to someone else is a fool's game,
and that the odds are stacked against you ever coming out ahead.

You’ve taught me to always keep my guard up no matter how tempting it is to let go,
because the risk to your heart will never outweigh the harm done by letting yourself be so totally exposed.

The lessons you've taught me have left their mark on me,
and will never be erased or forgotten.