You don't have to...

Back in 2024 I made an artwork titled "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to." It was a booklet with linocut reduction stages and poetry that traversed page tabs. That edition has since sold out, but the sentiment has come back around in my relationships time and again. 

The outside of this card has the same text as the artwork title, and the interior has a poem I wrote to explain where this disclaimer comes from.

I'm curious about your life and what you've been through
I'd like to be a safe person to share with
I hope this question makes you feel seen
(in the context of everything else we've ever talked about)

but

if this feels too vulnerable
if you don't want to bring up bad feelings right now
if you're not ready to tell me and may never be

that's okay

You don't have to tell me if you don't want to.