As Kanye would say in one of his hit songs, Runaway, "Run away as fast as you can."

Although I would not typically reference Mr. West for relationship advice, this specific song always comes to mind when I think about abusive relationships, cheating scumbags, and manipulative douchebags who live to make your life nothing but miserable. The lyrics mentioned above reference exactly what you should do if you come in contact with anyone that possesses these characteristics.

First, let me start off by saying that I've been there, in your shoes, thinking the same thoughts, feeling the same feelings. I invested years worth of time and effort in a toxic relationship with a guy who I, at one time. honestly believed when he said those three magical words; "I love you."

Word of advice, never make the mistake of believing that someone is in love with you if they do nothing to prove it. Empty words and broken promises are a weapon used by abusers in hopes of dragging you along even further, down into the deep trenches of a dark and lonely hell. The hardest part of this being that in the beginning this hell can often be disguised as Heaven; beautiful, promising, and blooming with love.

By the time you realize that he's actually a wolf in sheep's clothing it's too late. You're stuck. And he knows it.

This is when you have no choice but to dig deep within yourself; is this the kind of person you want in your life? Is this a guy that you would want raising your children? Do you not think that you deserve better? When is enough finally enough?

I am in no way insinuating that this is a simple process because it's not; it's been three years since I ended it and I'm still fighting through the aftermath of being in an unhealthy relationship. I became guarded, wary of trusting others, and unable to express my feelings and affection for others. To be honest I'm not sure what destroyed me more; the fact that I was no longer capable of feeling deeply and expressing myself as I was before, or the fact that someone I loved spent years degrading, manipulating, lying, and cheating on me. One thing that people who lack this type of experience can never understand is why we stay....but I understand. He's all you know. He's your comfort, your crutch, and your worst nightmare. He's everything you want but everything you hate about yourself. You know he's never going to change, but you can't let go of the last sliver of hope that you could be the one to change him.

I get it; trust me, I do.

But the purpose of this article is for me to provide those struggling like I did with nothing but honesty. And the honest truth is that no matter how much you want him to, no matter how much you try, he's not going to change.

The process becomes a thousand times easier when this realization sets in and you're able to accept it. Believe me when I say that God has such bigger and better plans for you and your life. Nobody deserves to be verbally and emotionally abused to the point that they hate themselves; to the point where they blame themselves for his issues and his insecurities. Again, the honest truth is that you've done nothing wrong. Don't let anyone determine your own self-worth or what you deserve, especially not the guy laying his hands on you, calling you names, pulling you away from those who love you, accusing you, and doing everything he can to destroy the amazing human being that you are.

Trust me when I say that you deserve the best. And you will find it.

Maybe not now, maybe not a year from now, maybe not even five years from now. But I can promise you that if you let go of the poison in your life, find yourself, and learn how to love yourself again, you will find a guy that will not only increase that sense of self-love but that will go above and beyond all of the expectations that you could ever have for a significant other.

There's always a light at the end of the tunnel. I found mine; I know you'll find yours too.