When I was growing up, I already had a plan in my mind: I was going to fall in love, get married, be a stay-at-home mom, and be an obedient wife — not knowing that this was not meant for me.I fell in love at 18 and imagined this fairytale with the one I had fallen for. Then I got hurt, and I was told how ugly and brainless I am.It was from there that I told myself I don't need love or a man to know how worthy I am, and that I can make my own identity.I don't need a man to define who I am, and it's better to be ugly than to be beautiful without brains.This isn’t about hating men or love. It’s about realizing the blueprint I was handed wasn’t mine — so I threw it out and started drawing my own. Messy, honest, and finally mine.