Should I Let Go My Unrequited Love?

Having a one-sided love is not that bad as many perceived it to be. But the consequences of having this kind of love are too many. Beware of the red flags, you should be extra cautious about taking these kinds of topics.

Screen grabbed from KDrama "Angel's Last Mission: Love"

Lately, I have been rewatching one of my go-to Korean dramas, Angel's Last Mission. Despite watching it over three times, I can still feel the same feeling I have when I first saw it on my screen. But what makes me love this drama is how love changed Yeonseo's (Shin Haesun) perspective over the same thing (It is love, my dear friend.) and life as a whole. Her feelings for Kim Dan (Kim Myungsoo) make her patient, selfless, and persistent. But that's what love makes to a person, right? It changes the one who feels it, either positively or negatively.

Now, maybe you are wondering why did I put that as my introduction to the topic of unrequited love. Well, let's see. Most of us have these so-called crushes and puppy love, right? These types of feelings grew upon us because we aspired to someone. But as time goes by, you cannot say if you are falling in love. Just like Dan, when at first, he kept on being in-denial towards his feelings for Yeonseo since he kept on thinking that there is someone who will let her feel love again, without him knowing that it caused his heart to fell at Yeonseo even more. Fortunately (and unfortunately), Dan is reciprocated yet he vanished after time since angels are not allowed to fall in love with humans.

The story might be too fictional but there is a truth underlying beneath it. We kept on denying our feelings over someone not knowing that it causes us to love them more.

How does one-sided love go?

Having a one-sided love is not that bad as many perceived it to be. But the consequences of having this kind of love are too many. Take my situation as an example. First, please let me confess the feelings I have right now. For five (and ongoing) years, I have had this growing love for someone.

At first, they seemed to be annoying. They kept on boggling and infuriating me until I lost my patience with them. But leaves grow, same as feelings. As time passes by, I kept on denying what I feel for that person. But fear consumed me, I never had the chance to tell them what I feel. Until now, I consider that as my biggest regret as I missed the opportunity because fear enclosed me and my courage.

Based on my experience, it is safe to say that one-sided love needs to be said. It needs to be expressed because if not, it will only leave you with regrets.

Should I stay or let go?

If you feel that it is too tiring or it just leaves you hoping for nothing, then let go of it. It is one of the red flags of this type of love. If you are given mixed signals and they do not bother to explain or tell you what they feel, then try to move on and let go of that love. Maybe, you must focus first on yourself because it is the best thing you could ever receive.

If you are fortunate enough and your feelings are reciprocated, then stay. You might have dreamt it, but now that it is happening, try to make it work. Help your partner to build your relationship and make your bond stronger. Since you now have that special someone, both of you must learn the basics of the relationship—communication, quality time, and trust. If you are lucky enough and both of you are the perfect match, then better.

It just depends on the situation. But no matter what it is, we must learn and continue to love as well as grow to be the best version of ourselves. It is not just for us, but it is also for the development of your relationships—family, friends, and your significant other.

There is nothing wrong with having a one-sided love. However, you must think of what it will bring unto you. You might linger with that feeling, yes. I know that it would make you feel things you haven't experienced before—butterflies in your stomach to be exact. But, that doesn't mean you need to stay with that feeling.

Think of it, maybe you don't realize yet that because of loving someone who doesn't even care about you, you forgot that you need to love yourself also. Your feelings are valid, and if you are already tired of that, you can always choose to rest. Remember, loving yourself is as important as loving the people around you.

For your different kinds of feels, you could listen to my collaborative Spotify playlist right here. Feel free to add your favorite songs, too! Love lots, Hooman! 💙

Please leave your comments or suggestions below. Thank you!