I didn’t raise my voice to hurt you,
I raised it to reach you.
Some lessons don’t survive whispers
When the world is loud and ruthless.
Tough love isn’t cold hands—
It’s hands that don’t let go
Even when being liked
Would be easier than being right.
I said no when you begged for yes,
Stood still when you tested the line.
Not because I lacked compassion,
But because I saw the cliff ahead of time.
I let you feel the weight of choices,
Didn’t carry what wasn’t mine.
Because strength is built in consequence,
And growth is forged in time.
I corrected you in private,
Defended you in the crowd.
I loved you enough to risk
Being misunderstood out loud.
Tough love isn’t punishment—
It’s preparation dressed in pain.
It’s believing you can handle
What comfort never trained.
One day you’ll thank the resistance,
The doors I wouldn’t unlock.
You’ll see I wasn’t blocking your path—
I was teaching you how to walk.
And when life meets you unguarded,
Unfair, unkind, and fast,
You’ll carry my “no” like armor,
And my discipline will last.
Because I didn’t love you softly—
I loved you right.
