I've had it up to my ear with posts romanticizing over-possessive, emotionally abusive behavior. Here are a few of many.

The captions to these pictures all fell along the lines of "Relationship goals" or "Yessss." All I have to say to that is, WHAT? Maybe you're misinformed on what kind of a relationship this is. It is a toxic, dangerous, abusive one. And if you still don't want to listen, let me explain what a relationship like this entails. Want to go out with your friends? Forget that, you owe your time to your man, and you're selfish to want to have a good time without him. Want to wear some cute shorts or comfy leggings? Nope, your body is for him to see, nobody else.

Are you a slut or something? Baggy clothes it is, no matter how gross you feel, you should want to cover up so your boyfriend feels more special. He is the only thing that matters, anyway. Want to talk to your life-long guy friend? No way. Guys only want one thing, screw your years of friendship, you should only want to talk to one man, your man. Want to post a cute selfie? HA! Are you kidding? Selfies are for your man's eyes only, who are you to think you can show other people a picture you look good in? How could you be so stupid? Want to enjoy a nice date with your man? Well, a guy looked at you or when you told the waiter what you wanted you were "too flirty," so now you have to go home crying because the day is ruined. But it's your fault! It always is. Sounds healthy, right?

That's only the damage it will do during the relationship. And when you finally leave, which will be the hardest and most terrifying thing you will ever do, you will be permanently mentally scarred. Relationships, and the idea of them, will terrify you. You will have nightmares you are still trapped in the relationship you just left and have to gain the courage to leave all over again, no matter how much they terrified you. And when you wake up, you'll think, for a few seconds, that you're still with them, and you'll breakdown from fear. This person spent the entire relationship manipulating you to believe you were worthless, and that you would never get any better than them, and you believed them. This doesn't just go away when you break up, you WILL believe this for a long time. You will feel like you are nothing, because that's what they taught you. You will believe you are a horrible person, because that's what they told you. You will be embarrassed by your past, because they told you that you should be ashamed of who you were before them. This will last months, even years. It was one of the most difficult things to finally leave them. But, picking up the scattered pieces they left of you, building yourself back up, believing you're worth something, knowing your worth: these are going to take true strength.

If you think, "oh, they're just jealous, that's how they are," or "I like how they are protective over me," you will soon be in for a rude awakening.Emotional abuse and over-possessiveness isn't something we should desire. It's brutal and permanently damaging. You will never think the same about yourself. Even when you gain your confidence back, they will always be in the back of your mind, screaming the things you once believed. "You're worthless." "You're a whore." "You disgust me." And they probably said all those things because you wanted to wear a cute dress or go out with friends.When you love someone, and care about them more than most people in the world, what they say matters. And when they constantly insult you, you will believe it. Do you want that? I hope you don't. Because you don't deserve to think so low of yourself; nobody does. Stay clear of these relationships. They are unhealthy, completely toxic, and will nearly ruin you. As attractive as having someone who is protective can be, be careful. It's easily confused with emotional abuse. If they are overly jealous and controlling, force you to isolate yourself, criticize or sabotage you, or blame you for their anger, it is not normal. You need to leave before it gets worse.

If you are a victim of an emotionally or physically abusive relationship, I am sorry. I am proud of you for being strong enough to leave, you're worth so much. You deserve an amazing life and to live for yourself.
If you read this, and your current partner shows signs I listed, leave. Leave before more damage is done. You are worth more.
Side note: Abuse can go any way, and in any kind of relationship. This was just my experience, and a common kind of emotional abuse I witness.