So, I’m a 25-year-old woman, and I’ve been a massage therapist for about four years. It doesn’t pay a fortune, but I’ve always managed to take care of myself and keep my bills in check.
About eight months ago, my boyfriend lost his job. At first, I didn’t mind picking up the slack while he got things sorted out. I handled rent, groceries, utilities you name it. I even slashed my own expenses to make sure we stayed afloat.
But then, things took a turn. He seemed to stop looking for a job (at least, not that I could tell), went out more often, and his attitude toward me shifted. Whenever I asked about job applications or money, he’d get defensive. And then, he started using my car all the time without asking. Later, I found out he’d borrowed cash from a few friends without paying them back, which made me look bad since they knew we shared a place.
What really broke the camel’s back was when I went through his phone. Yeah, I know it wasn’t my finest moment, and I’ll own that. But honestly, what I found was beyond what I’d expected he’d been chatting and meeting up with several other women. This wasn’t just a slip-up , it was a pattern.
When I confronted him, he started by denying everything, then admitted to some of it, and finally tried to brush it off. I told him enough was enough and asked him to move out. Now, he’s pleading for another chance, saying he’s struggling emotionally after losing his job and that I’m kicking him while he’s down. He insists I’m being cold after everything we’ve been through and that relationships are supposed to weather tough times.
I feel torn because I genuinely cared for him, and it tugs at my heart knowing he doesn’t have much stability now. But I also feel taken advantage of and disrespected, especially after I supported both of us for so long.
So, am I the jerk for insisting he move out instead of giving him another chance?