u/nmertes88

I am a survivor.

In my 20s, I struggled with serial dating, limerence, and constantly seeking love. I spent a lot of time trying to figure things out, and I found myself in more than one abusive relationship. It became a pattern, one I didn’t fully understand at the time. I ignored red flags, held onto hope, and stayed longer than I should have.

There were moments when I was scared to leave, but I did leave, every single time.

Eventually, I learned to slow down, to be patient, and to build real self-love. I stopped overlooking the warning signs. I started choosing myself.

What stayed with me the longest wasn’t just the pain- it was the deep sense of betrayal. That question: How could someone who is supposed to love me- do this to me? They were so loving at times. They knew my heart… so why?

But I’ve come to understand something important: that answer isn’t mine to figure out. I’m likely not the first person they hurt, and trying to make sense of their behavior only kept me stuck. They are not mine to fix.

And I never should have questioned myself. It had nothing to do with my worth- it wasn’t my fault.

My responsibility is to heal, to protect myself, and to keep moving forward. And support others going through it- share my knowledge.

Fourteen years ago, I filed a police report that ultimately saved my life..

Today, I am whole. I am healed.

I still live with PTSD, and some days are hard—but life is full again. Life is good again.

Life was meant for living—and I’m finally doing just that.

Remember- YOU ARE ENOUGH! IT WASN’T YOUR FAULT! ❤️