I can not ask you to love me

I can not ask you to love me
But I can try to be worthy of your love

I can not ask you to protect me
But I can strive to deserve your protection

I can not demand that you hear me
But I can try to make my words worth listening to

I can not expect your approval
But I can work for the things that you respect

I can not take for granted, your forgiveness
But I can try to avoid all that will anger you

I can not command your understanding
But I can take responsibility for my communication

I can not stop you from leaving
But I can do everything I can to encourage you to stay

I can not ask you to love me
But I will try to be worthy of your love.