It took a while for me to understand this, but when I did, I realized whatever choice I make in life has a consequence. If I choose to stay in a relationship with someone who hasn't respected me, hurtled me, is some type of way- I can't blame them nor hold it against them. I am an adult and whatever choice I make, is my choice. Whether it's a mistake or the best thing for me, it's MY choice. This is why I only can say so much to people who ask me for my advice. I've been in their boat before, so I know what it's like to love someone so much- it's stupid. Loving them so much that I put my life and goals on pause, loving them so much I compromise who I am, and worst of all was when I lost myself. I had to do a lot of soul searching after that. I've been single now for 3 years with many attempts at dating and meeting guys in between. I'll be honest with you. I joke around a lot and say I'll be single forever or that I need a boyfriend, but within, I'm so satisfied with my journey thus far. I've literally had some of the most hurtful and shady things happen to me in the past few years. Some of which I've kept outside of my writing cause my goal is never to make other people look like the assholes that they are. Instead, I try to share my learning experiences as honest as I can without basically blasting people. I'll tell you this one thing I want you to sleep on tonight. If friends, family, coworker's, spouses hurt you-don't wait for them to change. Don't assume they will and don't always take their word for the benefit of the doubt. Respect yourself enough to know when you've got to do you and distant yourself from toxicity. Life is too short and being single won't kill you. You're beautiful - don't settle.