Under the Guise of Love
Some people stealthily damage your life and self-esteem, making you feel like you have let them down
I see how you shrink, smaller, under my words. You think it’s your fault, that somehow you’re failing. But I know the truth — it’s me, chipping away at you. Piece by piece, I carve into your confidence, With a smile so gentle, you don’t even notice.
I tell you, it’s love, but even I hear the lie. It’s control, a game where I hold all the cards. I watch you doubt, scramble to please, But it’s never enough, never will be. Because the truth is, I thrive on your weakness, Feeding on the power I have, watching you lose yourself.
And each time you crumble, a little more lost, I stand, a shadow, tall and proud. You think it’s you, that you’re the problem, But it’s me, always me, eroding your strength. I am the sculptor, you, merely my clay, Molded by hands that pretend to care.
I am the darkness, cloaked as your light, The one who dims you, under the guise of love.
I wanted to show the subtle, often unseen ways someone can control and diminish another person’s sense of self. The idea was to portray the perspective of the one who erodes another’s self-esteem, showcasing their calculated moves and satisfaction in their manipulative power. My inspiration stemmed from real stories of emotional manipulation, where the damage is often invisible and the victim is left questioning their own worth. The aim was to shed light on this dark aspect of human interaction in a way that resonates and warns. ❤❤
Bella loves to write about life, psychology, and relationships. Click here to receive an email that guarantees you’ll get Bella’s newest stories delivered straight to your inbox.