knew it wasn't the right kind of love, because it required nothing of me. I did not need to worry about keeping it alive or putting it out since it was kept alive quite independently of anything I might or might not do. He would not be someone who demanded anything of me. He would hold on to whatever pieces I offered him, however flawed they might be. It did not bind me to him-somehow, it freed me.
The narrator reflects on a relationship that felt different from genuine love. It was a connection that did not ask for effort or commitment, allowing her to feel unburdened. She recognizes that this kind of love was not truly fulfilling as it did not challenge her to grow or invest emotionally. Instead, it existed independently, with her partner willing to accept whatever she could give without any demands or expectations.
This dynamic ultimately offered her a sense of freedom rather than entrapment. The lack of obligation in the relationship allowed her to explore her feelings without the pressure to maintain or validate the bond. Although she appreciated the acceptance of her flawed contributions, she understood that the relationship would not lead to deeper emotional intimacy or growth, leaving her with mixed feelings about its authenticity.
