Chapter 1: The Viral Video Phenomenon

Have you ever come across those unexpected videos that suddenly go viral on YouTube?

I found myself browsing through my feed when I noticed an unusual thumbnail and title. The video was named "LET THEM — JUST LET THEM," featuring a charming image of an elderly woman. Upon clicking, I discovered the reason behind its popularity. The woman, Dee, shared a touching poem by Cassie Phillips. Here’s a glimpse of it:

Just Let Them.

If they prefer to choose someone else over you, LET THEM.

If they want to remain silent for weeks, LET THEM.

If they are comfortable with never seeing you again, LET THEM.

If they continually prioritize themselves, LET THEM.

If they reveal their true selves rather than the image you held, LET THEM.

If they choose to follow the crowd, LET THEM.

If they judge or misinterpret you, LET THEM.

If they act as if they can live without you, LET THEM.

If they decide to exit your life, open the door and LET THEM.

Allow them to lose you; you were never theirs, as you have always belonged to yourself.

So, just let them.

Let them reveal their true nature, not just tell you.

Let them demonstrate their worthiness for your time.

Let them take steps to be part of your life.

Let them earn your forgiveness.

Let them reach out to discuss the mundane.

Let them take you out on a casual Thursday.

Let them converse about anything, simply because it's you they’re with.

Isn’t that a beautiful poem? I’m grateful I stumbled upon it; otherwise, I might have missed it entirely. Admittedly, poetry isn’t my forte, but I enjoy engaging with concepts and ideas, and this poem is filled with them. The core message it conveys is acceptance.

When faced with situations that don’t align with our desires, frustration can easily arise. Many people allow external circumstances to consume their thoughts, inadvertently handing control over to what they cannot change. This typically leads to negative outcomes. Instead, it’s vital to acknowledge reality and adapt accordingly.

The poem primarily addresses human relationships, particularly romantic ones. For those who have experienced a breakup, its message resonates deeply. About a year ago, I faced heartbreak when a relationship fell apart. Fortunately, I had already grasped the concept of acceptance. I refrained from attempting to reconnect, reaching out, or forcing anything. I accepted the reality and moved on. Was it painful? Definitely. But I can confidently say it would have been far worse had I tried to exert control over the situation.

Dee shared additional insights from the poem that I’d like to highlight. One key takeaway was this: you need to embrace yourself without feeling the need to change for someone else. If you find yourself altering who you are to sustain a relationship, that relationship is likely doomed. Picture being with someone who expects you to change continuously while they remain unchanged. This scenario rarely ends well.

Another point Dee emphasized was to avoid blaming yourself for the actions of others. While I understand her perspective, I have a different take. For instance, if your partner cheats on you, the emotional toll is significant. While you're not at fault for their betrayal, you chose to be with that person. The signs of potential issues were likely visible, even if you didn’t recognize them.

This realization hit me hard when I was 18, involved in a deeply emotional yet unreciprocated relationship. My partner had been upfront about wanting a casual arrangement, yet I ignored her honesty and remained in a situation that left me unsatisfied. When it ended abruptly, I had no one to blame but myself. Initially, I was bitter and directed my anger toward her, but eventually, I realized I was equally responsible. Accepting this was crucial for my growth.

The conclusion of the poem feels almost like an empowerment mantra. It implies that if someone has left you, it’s their loss. While this mindset can be helpful, it’s also easy to deceive oneself with such thinking. No single individual is solely responsible for a relationship's demise. Blaming the other person might feel justified, yet the truth is that both parties contribute to the outcome.

In my recent experience, I didn’t let myself get caught in delusion. I recognized my mistakes—entering a relationship despite glaring red flags. I couldn’t hold my partner accountable for being herself. Instead, I chose to accept my part in the breakup and learn from it. Holding onto resentment would have hindered my progress.

Empowerment is essential, but it must be grounded in reality. The final lines of the poem, however, come off as overly presumptuous. “Let them prove how worthy they are of your time”—this is a harsh reminder. If they left you, it suggests they believe they can find better. It’s a tough truth, but a necessary one.

In the end, the poem’s assertion that one should allow the other to speak freely just because it’s them feels somewhat disingenuous. It can be tempting to mask genuine feelings with bravado.

Ultimately, the authentic way to express your sentiments is to live them. I hope this reflection proves valuable to you. Thank you for reading.

Godfrey

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