When I was a kid, my whole family thought I was a genius, and that I had talent for studying.

My dad’s biggest wish was for me to get into a top school, become an official, and finish the path he never managed to complete back then!
Later, I really got into a top school…
Only to find out that I just knew how to take exams.
During my four years in university, I failed classes to the point where I started to doubt my own life.
While others stayed up to study, I stayed up to play games..
Not because the games were that fun.
It’s just that in real life, I couldn’t find even a shred of a sense of achievement.
After graduation, I dated girlfriends..
She was very good.
Her family told me:
“After we get married, our family can help you develop.”
But I felt like they wanted an increasingly capable man.
And I, I couldn’t get more “wound up” anymore.
I’m the type who doesn’t like drinking parties, doesn’t like socializing, and doesn’t like dealing with people every day.
I just want to quietly work, come home after work, and play games.
Later, I met my current wife.
One day, I asked her seriously:
“If in my whole life I’m just an ordinary junior clerk, would you think I’m useless?”
Her first reaction was:
“What’s wrong with a junior clerk?”
“No need to hold meetings every day, no need to socialize. After work you can go home earlier to keep the kids company. How good is that.”
Later, I started loving playing games.
She bought me headphones, bought me a mouse, and even played with me.
Even though she was unbelievably bad—she would often end up getting me killed.
But for some reason,
after that, I stopped playing games to escape reality.
It finally felt like,
there was someone who accepted my most ordinary self.
She never nags me to get promoted or get a raise.
When we travel, I always think about running through every attraction in a single day!
But she slowly says:
“We can’t finish it today. Let’s come back tomorrow.”
“If we didn’t see it this time, we’ll see it next time.”
After being with her,
I only then realized that
life doesn’t have to be a competition.
Later, she took that version of me—skinny to 100 jin, anxious all the time, sleeping poorly—
and made me gain 40 jin!
When I had abs, she’d compliment my figure. Every day I’d sleep with abs.
And when I had a fat belly, she’d compliment my softness—every day I had to touch my little belly before she could sleep.
What I used to feel was:
“Love is finding someone who helps you become better.”
But now I think
maybe truly good love is
finally someone telling you:
“You don’t have to be that great. I’ll stand by your side.”
If it were you,
would you choose someone who keeps pushing you to become better,
or someone who’s willing to accept the real you—even if you’re not that great?