We cannot afford to put our needs on hold, waiting for another person to fulfill us, make our life better, or come around and be who and what we want that person to be. That will create resentment, hostility, an unhealthy dependency, and a mess to deal with later on. ~ Beattie, Melody. The Language of Letting Go: Hazelden Meditation Series (pp. 348-349).

When Daddy finished a meal at home
every time he said, “Very good, Mz. B.”
That’s the way it’s supposed to be…
an acknowledgement of the effort.
My guess is he sometimes made suggestions,
gave a critique on something, but I remember only,
“Very good, Mz. B.” That’s the way it’s supposed to be…
Just critique should not happen. But when that’s all?
I cannot afford to put my needs on hold,
waiting for another person to fulfill me,
make my life better, or come around
and be who and what I want that person to be.
I know for a fact that creates resentment,
hostility, an unhealthy dependency,
and a mess to deal with. So about the effort I made
for a special meal today, I’ll say to me,
“Very good, Mz. R.”