“A woman is like a tea bag;
you can’t tell how strong she is
until you put her in hot water.”
- Anonymous

I think, sometimes, that I make the mistake of appearing too strong.  I know that sounds stupid and slightly egotistical, but I mean it exactly like I said that.  By portraying myself as completely independent, as capable, and as tough, I sometimes give the impression that I don’t need support.

Which, of course, is completely erroneous.  I do need support.  A lot of constant support, to be quite honest.

I need to know that, if you are on my team, you will support me.  You will hear out my issues, we will come to an agreement, and we will both proceed together.  I need to know you will back me.  Or if you see something that you see me doing that is wrong, you will stop me.  I need that.

I need to know that you think I am worth fighting for.

Because loyalty is something that is ingrained in the Italian bloodline.  When you are part of our “family”, you will forever be welcomed with a hug, and you can always call on us in your time of need and we will lend a hand.  That’s it.  There are no questions, there is no trial period.. that’s all she wrote.

But once you’re in the family, you need to back your family.  We do the same for you.

Now, back to that first part: I am strong.  I am independent.  I am completely capable of holding my own in any arena.  But there are some fights that I cannot fight alone.  And I need to know that I won’t be alone.