To Be Seen is Not Always to Be Loved - By Taraavish Noor

Written By: Taraavish Noor

Category: poetic/essay

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Taraavish Noor presents a compelling piece titled "To Be Seen is Not Always to Be Loved" in the poetic/essay category as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This introspective work delves into the complexities of love and vulnerability, challenging the notion that being seen equates to being loved. With a blend of poetic expression and essay-like reflection, Noor explores the depths of human connection and the potential for pain when one's true self is laid bare.

About the Work

In "To Be Seen is Not Always to Be Loved," Taraavish Noor masterfully navigates the intricate dance between visibility and affection. The piece paints a vivid picture of the heartache that can arise when trust is misplaced, and vulnerability is exploited. Through evocative language and a reflective tone, Noor invites readers to contemplate the dual nature of intimacy - where being truly seen can lead to both profound connection and deep hurt. The work resonates with anyone who has experienced the bittersweet nature of opening up to another.

to be seen is not always to be loved

Original Submission by Taraavish Noor

To be seen is not always to be loved

“To be loved is to be seen.” For the longest time I believed it, it just clicked right with me, that someone seeing me, not a façade, not the performative armor, nothing .Just me. My feelings, my moods, my habits. Me. Sounds like such a fairytale, maybe it even is, maybe people do feel loved being seen, maybe the person who sees them actually loves and cherishes them and would run every single mile with them. But here’s a bitter truth, or maybe just another side of it. Now picture this, someone knows you, not the cover or the performance you put to please the people around you, and now imagine the person who knows the raw real you, using your vulnerabilities against you in such ways that your stripped of everything you pretend to be, everything you wanted to be with those facades. It’s heartbreaking. You trusted them, you let them in when you’re always like a closed book, you let them see you, be with you…you got comfortable ,you got open, words started flowing easy, life seemed brighter and everything was fine. It truly was and, for once in your life, you felt unarmed because you thought you didn’t need it. You felt safe .But then one day, you wake up, and it’s slowly pulling away ,the safety, the words, the trust, the brightness, the ease…it’s just tugging you back. The very day, you start realizing why? It’s because they weren’t the right ones for your rawness, for your reality, for you being you. They didn’t just shatter the glasshouse that was around you, they let everyone in it, they let everyone see the real you, the one you protected from this exact pain, they exposed what you gave them in safety. They exposed what you were and weren’t .And the sanity starts pulling at the edges, you’re losing it, and you’re going to keep losing it cause someone out there knows your vulnerabilities and they know your fears, and most importantly, they’re aware on how to use them against you in ways that would break you whole. Hence the other side-“to be seen is not always to be loved”

By-Noor.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates diverse voices in literature and the arts. Participants from around the world contribute their poetic and narrative talents, fostering a global community of creatives. This prestigious competition is a platform for both emerging and established writers to share their unique perspectives through poetry, essays, and creative writing.

Thank you, Taraavish Noor, for your insightful contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. "To Be Seen is Not Always to Be Loved" is a poignant exploration of trust and vulnerability, offering readers a profound reflection on the complexities of human relationships. Your work enriches the conversation around love and self-disclosure, and we are grateful for your participation.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.