I fell in love with a guy who I thought held the world in his hands.

I swore the sun rose and set for him and only him.

He was everything.

Those 3 long years together were full of many things and happiness was far and in between.

I would love to say we were so happy but we weren't.

I fell in love with a manipulator, a liar.

He was selfish and cared only about himself.

Whether it be your first love or second or even your fifth love, do not get stuck.

I know you love him and I know he says sweet words to you that melt your heart like chocolate in the hot sun but do not fall for it.

If he can cheat on you or lie to you and look you in the eyes and tell you he loves you, he does not mean it.

Do not, please, don't compromise your self-worth because it's easy to get lost in those eyes.

The first time he does it, leave, or else you'll get stuck in a vicious cycle.

My first and only love was a manipulator.

He lied so much he had to keep lying to cover up the others.

I loved him more than the stars in the sky but that love was not reciprocated.

Emotional abuse is a real thing and I know you don't think you will ever experience it but emotional abuse comes in all forms.

If he can cheat on you and turn it around on you and make you feel bad than he does not love you and you need to leave.

If he tries to tell you he will kill himself when you say you're leaving then that is emotional abuse and it is a trap.

If he tells you you're crazy and that you need help, that is not love.

I know you think he will change but he won't.

Don't try to change him, it won't work.

I know the thought of leaving him hurts and you feel like you won't make it, but you will.

I missed so many opportunities to be with a great guy because I was stuck on one shitty one.

One that never made me feel like the only one, one that got defensive anytime I asked or if I asked for reassurance.

I never got flowers or the "little things" every girl so desperately wanted.

For 3 years, I mistook love for lust.

I was verbally and emotionally abused. (weird to say, I know.)

I didn't think it would be me but it was.

I was lied to and cheated on day after day and somehow, I finally got the courage to leave.

I'm not saying it won't be easy and that you won't miss him or the good memories but it's time to find yourself. It's time to make yourself happy and stop relying on him or anyone else for your own happiness. And please, don't ever settle. God didn't put you on this Earth for you to settle for a boy who manipulates you. Your prince charming will come and that will be the day you realize why it never worked out.

If you or someone you know thinks they're dealing with an emotionally abusive relationship, reach out before it's too late or before it becomes more than emotional abuse. Send them here to find help.