u/Emergency_Sky9107

"I just ended a seven-year relationship. In the beginning, it felt like a total fairytale, but over time, the mask started to slip. I realized she wasn’t the person she claimed to be. It started with disrespect over the small things, but eventually, it turned into physical abuse. I still remember the first time she slapped me; it was over something as simple as where we were going to eat.The abuse eventually extended to my mother. She put her hands on me, and while I’ll admit I disrespected her at times too, it was always a reaction to finding out she was thinking about going back to her ex or entertained thoughts about other men. I never felt appreciated. She was incredibly dominating, never owned up to her mistakes, and was deeply manipulative.As a man, I believe my role is to love, protect, and provide. In return, I feel a partner should offer respect and loyalty—two things she failed to provide. When I caught her thinking about her ex, I stayed awake all night crying. It was the first time I’d cried in seven years, yet she just dozed off like nothing was wrong. There wasn’t even an apology.She thinks men reaching out to her from eight years ago value her more than I do, and she’s convinced she can find someone better. During one heated argument where I confronted her about other men, things got so ugly that she called my mother a slut. This happened more than once.I’ve never shared this story with anyone but God. I’m being honest about everything I felt and did. I just need to know: Is this girl worth holding on to, or should I walk away forever and never look back?"