Allison Washington
Aug 24, 2017 · 1 min read

I felt this acutely, painfully, jealously, for years. And you’re right, that when you see yourself as unlovable, you project that and people respond in kind. It’s a Catch-22.

Eventually I was able to break out of it, not coincidentally largely through writing and the friends I made through writing. Eventually I forgot about myself for a while and someone kissed me, and then someone else did too, and I finally got the hang of it. Self love doesn’t exist in a vacuum, it needs a reflection. It’s a Catch-22.

I actually think I am desirable, now. Hold that thought. :-)

❤ Allison

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    Allison Washington

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    Journalist & essayist. Reporting from Cairo.