I never thought I’d feel like I had to apologize for being smart, confident, and powerful. But here I am, wrestling with the weight of being “too much” in a relationship that often feels like “not enough.”

We’ve all heard the verse — “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers...” (2 Corinthians 6:14, KJV). And while the scripture directly addresses spiritual partnership, I’ve learned firsthand that being unequally yoked stretches far beyond church pews and Bible studies.

It spills into your dreams. Your confidence. Your education. Your conversations. Your entire identity.

Because here’s the truth: when you’re connected to someone who doesn’t match your capacity — spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, or purpose-wise — you start shrinking to make them comfortable.

You hold back ideas because you don’t want to sound arrogant.
You soften your accomplishments so you don’t seem like you’re bragging.
You stop reaching higher because your ambition seems to offend them.

And eventually, you start questioning: Is it me? Am I being prideful? Or am I just unequally yoked?

I’ve worked for this. The late nights, the studying, the tears, the healing, the growth. I didn’t arrive here overnight. So why does who I’ve become now feel like a burden to carry in my own relationship?

If being with someone requires you to step down from the fullness of who you are — that’s not partnership. That’s bondage.

Being equally yoked means being able to walk side by side. Same pace. Same direction. Same strength. It doesn’t mean your partner has to match your resume, but they should match your heart, your drive, and your willingness to grow. They should be able to cheer for your light, not feel threatened by it.

This isn’t just about spirituality. It’s about being able to be your whole self without guilt. It’s about feeling supported, not silenced. Challenged, not choked. Elevated, not edited.

So if you’re in a season where love feels like a limitation, I want you to ask yourself:
Am I really in love… or am I just loyal to someone who can’t carry the weight of who I am?

You weren’t created to come down. You were created to rise — and to walk with someone who can rise with you.