The Way I Am

If you were falling, then I would catch you
You need a light, I'd find a match

Cuz I love the way you say good morning
And you take me the way I am

If you are chilly, here take my sweater
Your head is aching; I'll make it better

Cuz I love the way you call me baby
And you take me the way I am

I'd buy you Rogaine when you start losing all your hair
Sew on patches to all you tear

Cuz I love you more than I could ever promise
And you take me the way I am
You take me the way I am
You take me the way I am

There have been times in my life where I have customized myself for a certain person. I don't do it consciously, and I don't believe in doing it, but I've noticed that it is something I do.

For the senior boy when I was a sophomore, I was the constant shoulder to cry on, innocent and disposable.

For the teacher my last semester of high school who was more lost and confused than I have ever been, I was the adult with a clear head and all the answers.

For the arrogant gentleman who took me on a date, I was sweet and shy, something pretty to drape across his arm and then to put away later.

For the girl that got hurt, I was brave and confident, firm and unyielding. Untouchable.

So, that's the goal. How often do people tell me to be myself? The problem is sometimes I don't know what that means, what version of 'myself' I'm supposed to be, because I've spent so much time being someone's custom order. I'm realizing there are very few people I am who I am with. Very few people who "take me the way I am".

I hope I can pull Bethany out of all the hybrids this year. I wanna be who I wanna be. Feel comfortable. Let go of anxieties. Find the people that take me the way I am.

The Way I Am, Ingrid Michelson