I'm proud of myself. This time of year I was in a terrible situationship with a man who was obsessed with BDSM and p*rn. I remember him telling me that he could never date somebody who didn't want to do BDSM because he'd "just get bored", and so I felt the need-

- to compete, doing all the things he was into. I noticed he followed OF creators and had an account on f*tlife, and so the insecurity continued to settle in. I wanted to feel wanted by him, but looking back, even behind his charisma, I realize now that he never cared about me.-

- The first time I went to his place, he texted me later on "You whine too much " No consideration of my feelings. What I thought was just his cool exterior was actually his disregard to emotion and intimacy. At the end of the day, I was a projection of his sexual -

- fantasies; I was not my full self.

I don't like to overshare, but I tell my stories because I would hate it if a young girl had to go through something similar. I feel the obligation to share my stories of caution. If you are a young girl or woman but ESPECIALLY -

if you're a minor, it's not silly to want a partner who actually cares about you, who values your time and energy, you looks after you, who considers your wants and needs, who loves you and loves you passionately. I grew up thinking romance was silly, or better yet -

- that I wasn't worthy of it. I'm glad I realized it sooner than later. No matter what anyone tells you, FWBs and situationships are never worth your time. It's not an exaggeration when I say you are giving so much and not getting enough. -

- Love is a great great thing and I'm proud of my growth in realizing that. I love like no other but I am cautious not out of fear, but out of love for myself: I am an amazing woman and not everyone is deserving of receiving my energy. -

- If I can end this thread with anything, it's to protect yourself, out of love for yourself.