For the past year, I have made excuses for a man who doesn’t know the meaning of the word honesty simply because we were such a good match in all other areas. Why is it I was willing to overlook such a major character flaw?
We seemed to connect in so many ways. We liked some of the same things; we disliked some of the same things. We had an easygoing manner together. We laughed together. We talked together. We did the things that couples do and we planned to be married. We planned our future together.
Back in the beginning, when I first discovered he lied I made excuses and blamed myself. Maybe if I was better at handling the truth he wouldn’t lie. After all, I had my own issues. I made numerous excuses for his bad behavior. Meanwhile I was honest, loyal, and giving. I told the truth even when it might cause an argument. I changed in ways that made him happy. I quit complaining about the overtime he worked. When I felt lonely, I learned how to entertain myself rather than depending on him to entertain me. I grew as a person. For that I am thankful. Yet, he continued to lie. He lied to avoid arguments and he lied to cover up. He lied to get his way. He lied.
One day, when he looked into my eyes and told the biggest boldest lie he had ever told I decided enough was enough. I finally realized I deserved better. I deserve a man who I can respect. I realized I cannot respect a man who isn’t capable of honesty.
Now he will go on to his next love and she will be the one to decide if she has enough self respect to demand more. As I think about the love lost and the potential we had I feel sorry for him…so very sorry and yet within there is a hope that somewhere there is a man who will look deeply in my eyes and know that to lie to me would be like death itself to his soul and he will be the man I can respect and share my love with.