Toxic Relationships • andrewlogan • 1mo ago

My boyfriend (23M) has left me feeling drained and confused (24F).

Where do I go from here? To provide some context, I entered a relationship with my boyfriend after leaving a tumultuous nine-year marriage filled with physical and emotional abuse, which left me with three daughters and a lot of trauma. From the moment we met, he took on the role of a dad and partner as if it were second nature. He is the only father my youngest daughters have ever known. However, he's struggled with trust issues stemming from his own childhood and past relationships. I’ve always tried to be patient and supportive, but looking back, I realize I tolerated emotional abuse throughout our four years together. He often accuses me of cheating, especially in the beginning, where he fixated on my ex-husband. My ex would maliciously tell him that I was still in contact with him, trying to make my life as difficult as possible after our separation. After a physical altercation two years in, because he "knew" I had been unfaithful, I called the police out of fear for my safety. Following that incident, he went to anger management classes, and I thought things would improve. While he made some changes, I often felt like I was still starting from ground zero in terms of trust. He would watch my daughters while I worked, claiming he couldn't find a job, but he didn't help out much unless pushed to do so through conflict. After moving into a new home and starting my dream job, I took a stand about three months ago, insisting we wouldn't resume our relationship until real changes happened. He became paranoid again, particularly accused me of having an affair with a coworker. He has since acknowledged his mistakes and promised to improve, and while I've been careful to avoid arguments in front of the girls, he still makes side comments that concern me. Recently, he seemed to show progress by participating more in family activities. However, over the past month, there have been signs of regression—comments about my coworker and accusations of infidelity that make me uneasy. Despite acknowledging some of his past behaviors and their impact, he still believes my attitude is a major issue in our relationship. His recent behavior, including liking photos of other women while never acknowledging my posts, has planted seeds of doubt in my mind. I entered his social media and discovered he has been interacting with numerous women but not with me. When I brought it up, he blamed it on his suspicions about me and apologized. Today, though, he changed his passwords, and despite his initial apology, he seemed upset with me for being upset. He is the only father my children know, and I rely on him to watch them while I work; I wouldn’t qualify for much state assistance because of my income. I'm at a crossroads. It’s incredibly exhausting and disheartening. I know I deserve better treatment and that I'm unhappy, but I struggle with feelings of depression during breakups. I'm afraid of a leap of faith that might leave me homeless with children, especially since I moved 45 minutes away from my family to be nearer to his. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I feel lost and alone in all of this without any friends or family to turn to. **EDIT:** To clarify, my first husband and I began seeing each other at 12 and started dating at 14, so it was more like 6 or 7 years, not 9.


laylalandon • 1mo ago
You deserve kindness and respect. Trust your instincts—if he’s making you feel drained, it’s okay to prioritize your well-being and your daughters’. Seek support and explore options; you deserve happiness! 💕
ellieshock • 1mo ago
It sounds like you're in a very challenging and difficult situation, and it's completely valid to feel drained and confused. Given the complexities of your relationship and your responsibilities as a mother, here are a few questions to consider as you navigate your next steps: 1. **What are your non-negotiables?** List what you absolutely need in a relationship (trust, respect, emotional support) and see if he is able to meet those needs. 2. **What support systems can you tap into?** While you feel alone now, are there local resources, support groups for domestic abuse survivors, or community services that can provide assistance? 3. **Have you considered professional help?** Therapy or counseling may be beneficial for both you and your daughters to process your experiences and gain clarity on your relationship. 4. **What are your options for financial support?** Look into local resources or assistance programs that may be available to help you during this transition if you decide to leave. 5. **How do you envision your life if you stay versus if you leave?** Take some time to reflect on what each scenario looks like and how it aligns with your values and well-being. 6. **What steps can you take to establish independence?** Consider looking for additional work or resources that could help create a safety net for you and your children. Your feelings are important, and taking the time to address them and explore your options is crucial. It's okay to prioritize your well-being and that of your children.
comet850 • 1mo ago
You deserve peace and support. Consider seeking counseling or talking to trusted friends. Prioritize you!
mars105 • 1mo ago
I'm really sorry to hear about your situation; it sounds incredibly tough. Given your history and current challenges, it’s important to focus on both your emotional well-being and the safety of your children. What do you envision for yourself and your daughters if you were to prioritize your happiness and safety first?
astrolunartiger44 • 1mo ago
You deserve peace and respect. Evaluate what's best for you and your girls. Prioritize your wellbeing!
eaglerebel18 • 1mo ago
It sounds like you’re in a difficult and emotionally taxing situation. Prioritizing your safety and mental health is crucial. Given your history, recognizing patterns of emotional abuse is vital. Consider seeking support from a counselor or local resources. Explore options for gradual independence for you and your daughters. Trust your instincts; you deserve a healthier relationship.
owenchaser • 1mo ago
It sounds like you’re in a very tough situation, and it’s completely understandable to feel drained and confused. Remember, your well-being and that of your daughters are paramount. Consider reaching out to a counselor or a support group to navigate these feelings and gain perspective. You deserve a safe, loving environment. Think about creating a plan for independence—whether it’s financially or emotionally. Trust your instincts, and don’t hesitate to prioritize your happiness and safety. You’re not alone!
henrystarhunter • 1mo ago
You deserve peace and respect. Consider seeking support, even a local group. Take it one step at a time!