Who Is Affected

“His ex is pretty.”

It shouldn’t be a problem. You’re beautiful.

Then again… it’s true. His ex is pretty.

I have always been the kind of mother who worries about what my children might be feeling—often even before they realize they are feeling it themselves. So, the moment those words left her mouth, out came my complete litany of motherly advice:

“Yeye, you have to remember that physical appearance is not what strengthens and sustains a relationship.”

“Be gentle with the past. Don’t let it tempt you into overthinking. And whatever you do, don’t compare yourself with his past.”

“A man may first be attracted to a woman’s beauty. Maybe that’s how it started for the two of you. But beauty alone cannot keep a relationship alive. Only love can.”

“And dating isn’t just about looking pretty when you’re out with him. It’s about becoming beautiful inside and out—even on ordinary days when no one else is looking.”

Then, suddenly remembering my true role in the house, I quickly added:

“Aba, teka! Pinayagan na ba kitang makipag-date?”

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When my grand sermon finally came to an end, she looked back at me with the calmest, most unbothered face and simply said:

“Ma… who says I’m affected? I only said, ‘His ex is pretty.’ That’s all.”

I stared at her.

Then, I quietly asked myself—

Who was really affected? ❤️