Rules and Offences

We have rules,

Of our own,

That we never made,

But we know exist,

That we never said out loud,

But we understood.

Like no phones during meals,

When it's just us,

Even if we're sitting awkwardly,

After a fight and we aren't talking yet.

Like no conversation during walks,

When one of us is a little overwhelmed,

And is not yet ready,

To let the other one know why.

Like not falling in love,

When clearly both are breaking the rule,

But not ready to admit,

Knowing it's a punishable offence; heartbreak.

Book recommendation: 40 Rules of Love by Elif Shafak.