Would You Really Know If I Cared?

Wouldn’t it be nice
For me to say “I love You?,”
And never ask you for anything in return,
To accept you for who you are
And never try to change you,
To love you no matter what you say,
No matter what you do,
Or how you look,
Or how you believe.
If I did that
Would you really know if I cared?
For if you and I don’t set limits on each other,
Or ask each other to be different
So that more of our needs would be met,
Would there be any reason for us to grow or learn?
Any reason for us to be better than we were yesterday?
And because I’m involved and care about you,
And I’m committed to your growth and happiness,
I must sometimes tell you what you may not want to hear,
Or stay by your side when you’re telling me to leave,
Or ask you to give to me when I’m in need.
And, sometimes, I have to aside my gratification
To meet your needs.
But, isn’t that what love is all about?
An act of loving and giving to receive.
No, I’m not trying to manipulate you,
And I’m not asking you to sacrifice yourself for me,
So in my requests of you,
I must also respect your right
To say “No” to me.