"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."

You know, this quote really gets to the heart of what it means to be authentically human. At its core, it’s saying that everyone has flaws—sometimes big, glaring ones. But those flaws don't define a person entirely. If someone can’t stick around when you’re at your lowest, well, they don't deserve to be there when you're shining your brightest.

Marilyn Monroe, who’s often credited with this quote, knew a thing or two about being in the spotlight and dealing with personal struggles. Think about it. Here was a woman who embodied Hollywood glamour, yet behind the scenes, she wrestled with her own demons—insecurities, mental health issues, and the pressures of fame. She was basically saying, "Hey, I'm not perfect. If you can't accept me when I'm a mess, you shouldn't get to bask in my glow either."

Imagine a time when you were just having one of those days—or even weeks. Everything that could go wrong did go wrong. Maybe you snapped at a friend, missed a deadline at work, or just felt downright crappy. Now, picture who stuck by you during that time. Was it your best buddy who brought over ice cream and listened to you vent? Or maybe a family member who didn’t judge but just offered a hug and some quiet company. Those are the people who’ve earned a front-row seat to your best moments too.

Taking this into a real-life example, think about a relationship—romantic or otherwise. Take Sarah and Jake. Sarah is super driven and outgoing, but she also has a tendency to get really stressed out and snap under pressure. Jake, on the other hand, is more laid-back but can sometimes be distant. They’ve had their fair share of arguments and rocky patches. There was a time when Sarah was overwhelmed with work and family issues, and she was not the easiest person to be around. Jake could have bailed—it was tempting. But he didn’t. He stuck it out, supported her, and they came out stronger. When Jake later went through his own rough patch, Sarah was there for him too. They balanced each other out.

So how can you apply this in your own life? Start by recognizing that no one is perfect—not you and not those around you. When you’re having a tough time, don’t be too hard on yourself. And when someone else is struggling, cut them some slack. Being supportive during those low points builds a foundation of trust and loyalty. Remember, it's not about tolerating bad behavior but understanding that everyone has moments when they're less than their best.

Let's bring this back to something relatable. Picture hosting a dinner party. You’ve got everything planned out, but then the roast burns, the dessert falls flat, and you spill wine on your favorite shirt. Your close friend laughs it off, helps you salvage what’s left of the meal, and cracks open another bottle of wine. They’re there for the chaos, not just the Instagram-worthy moments. That’s the kind of person this quote is talking about—someone who sees you, flaws and all, and sticks around anyway.

So, next time you’re feeling down because you’ve made a mistake or are just a bit of a mess, remember this quote. It’s a reminder that your worth isn’t tied to being perfect. It’s about being real, and finding those who appreciate you for it.