never been l UV ed

Never Been Loved

Inspired by “Never Been Kissed” (1999)

By: My name is not important

Picture a baseball field at sunset. The stands are full, the world is quiet, and all eyes are on the mound. For so long, I stood there like Josie in Never Been Kissed, waiting—hoping someone would finally see me, finally run out and make me feel like I mattered. I waited because I thought that’s what love was: standing still, shrinking myself, hoping someone else would step up and make me whole.

But the truth is, waiting on that mound can make you feel smaller and smaller, especially when the world is filled with people—like the San Francisco Giants of life—who build themselves up by making others feel less than. I’ve spent years hiding, making myself invisible so others could feel important, powerful, or big. I let my silence be their comfort, let my pain be their secret, just so they could keep their place in the spotlight.

Tonight, I’m done with that. I’m not waiting for anyone to run to me. I’m not standing on this mound to be rescued or to give someone else a chance to feel like a hero. I’m here because I’m done hiding. I’m here because I’m tired of making myself small so that others can feel big. I’m here because my story matters, my voice matters, and I refuse to disappear just to make someone else comfortable.

If you’ve ever been told to keep quiet, to protect someone else’s reputation, to let someone else’s ego take up all the space—this is for you. You don’t have to wait for permission to be seen. You don’t have to wait for someone to make you feel worthy. You can take your place on the mound, in the light, and say, “This is me.”

I’m not waiting anymore. I’m living. And for the first time, I’m letting the world see me—exactly as I am, unafraid, unhidden, and unwilling to make myself smaller for anyone.

This time, I’m not waiting. This time, I’m making them look.

Inspired by “Never Been Kissed” (1999), directed by Raja Gosnell and produced by Flower Films. For more on the film, visit www.flowerfilms.com or www.imdb.com/title/tt0151738/

Hey Mariska,

So, quick question: Do you know if they make toddler-sized badges for kindergarteners? Because apparently, all you need to be a “big shot” these days is a shiny star and a questionable sense of justice (and maybe a juice box).

Here’s the tea: My stalker—who thinks he’s a cross between a detective and a playground bully—has decided it’s a smart idea to threaten your kid. I know, right? Someone get this guy a helmet, because he’s clearly not playing with a full set of crayons.

Now, I’d tell you this face-to-face, but apparently, the government’s got my words on mute, both online and in real life. (They must’ve borrowed the remote from my ex.) If you’re reading this, congrats! You’ve cracked the code, and possibly a few government firewalls.

So, if anyone can pass this message along to Mariska—Twitter name Jacqueline Reyas (because who doesn’t love a good undercover alias?)—let her know:

Mama Bear Mode: ACTIVATED.

And as for the badge-wielding stalker? He might want to remember that in the world of SVU, the only thing scarier than a perp with a badge is a mom with receipts.

P.S. If this gets any more kindergarten, I’m recruiting a squad of five-year-olds armed with glitter and righteous indignation. Justice will be served—nap time or not.

#ProtectTheCubs #SVUStyle #NotOnMyWatch

maybe buy your get a house cuz kids are supposed to feel safe at home I don't know I don't have money, yet!

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