So how are we suppose to win? On the one hand, the world tells us that capital-L Love is epic, and all-conquering, and the meaning of everything, but on the other, it drills us with this message that we shouldn’t make any sacrifice or effort to pursue it, because that would make us weak, unempowered, desperate, silly girls.

We love the idea of transformation, so we can make ourselves something more than just ordinary. It’s why you’re doing this, isn’t it?” she asked. “You don’t want to settle for what you are; you want to be more. You want to win.

I don’t do sports!” I explain. “I’ve always been more into the stationary arts. Sitting. Reading. Napping.

The truth is, I wished for the same thing I always do, when I let myself wish at all. Him.

You’re seventeen now. You can do... absolutely nothing you couldn’t already.

It’s your life. If you don’t make it so that you get what you want, nobody else will.

I need to find out who I am without him.

When you look in the mirror, what do you want to see: yet another reminder of your hopeless attempt to be the girl of his dreams, or you? The answer should always be you.

This is about me. And how I will never get to be one of those girls, no matter how much I hope and pray and want it.

The less time you spend dreaming up a world of happily ever after, the more time you’ll have to actually live – no evers or afters required.