I spent a lifetime making room For everybody else's needs, Accepting anything to keep the peace, Giving whatever was asked of me. I thought that love meant staying, No matter what I had to do. But finally, at sixty-three, I have a different point of view. I have a lifetime of memories, With so much goodness along the way. And I wouldn't trade the love I've given, Or the joy of yesterday. But somewhere in the giving, I forgot that I had choices too. I don't have to lose myself To prove how much I care for you. Love doesn't make me a doormat, Kindness doesn't mean I'm weak. I can listen to your point of view Without surrendering my right to speak. I can love you with my whole heart, And still walk away from you. Love doesn't make me a doormat— What an aha moment—who knew? You don't have to see my value, Or appreciate what I do. I'm not asking you to change your mind, I won't prove my worth to you. I'll simply spend my precious time Where love and kindness grow. I can care about you deeply, And still be free to go. Love doesn't make me a doormat, Kindness doesn't mean I'm weak. I can listen to your point of view Without surrendering my right to speak. I can love you with my whole heart, And still walk away from you. Love doesn't make me a doormat— What an aha moment—who knew? I don't have to make you wrong To know it isn't right for me. No angry words, no slammed doors, No need for you to agree. I won't leave to change your mind, Or hope you'll ask me to stay. I'll simply choose where I feel safe, I'll simply choose to walk away. I have Rick. He loves me, And our life is full of joy. We've got dreams we're still pursuing, We've got so much left to enjoy. There's always room for others Who want to share the life we've made. But happiness is ours already— There's no price that must be paid Love doesn't make me a doormat, At sixty-three, I'm finally free! I haven't stopped loving people, I've just learned to value me. I can love you with my whole heart, And still choose what I will do. Love doesn't make me a doormat— And I don't have to prove a thing to you! I haven't become less loving, I just learned where I want to be. I'll spend my time where respect is mutual, I'll let the rest go peacefully. I can love you with my whole heart, And still walk away from you. Love doesn't make me a doormat— I finally know now that it's true.
