This is a little bit heavier than almost anything I will ever post on here, but I like to keep things real and would love for you all to know a little more of my story.
I’m 24 and have just had one serious boyfriend.
I’ve never really been boy crazy, and I consider myself a really independent person. Even from a young age I’ve always been good at being myself regardless of the environment I’m in, and even when I am seeing someone my good friends are always a priority in my life. I don’t believe in losing yourself and giving your life completely to someone else; rather, I think they should be a great addition to life.
Anyway, even with a good head on my shoulders, I never realized just how unhealthy my relationship was in it’s last year until I got out of it.
I think we’d both agree the breakup was “mutual,” but sadly I didn’t end things when they became unfair to me. I stayed in a really hard, kind of messed up situation a lot longer than I’m proud of.
I’m a fixer and am far too patient for my own good. I almost always put others first, even when I shouldn’t, and I trust people — especially those who I am closest to.
I was in the classic situation where everything became centered around what my significant other wanted, and neglected my own needs.
Guys, this all happened while I had been dealing with a serious chronic illness. The biggest red flag is when you are going through something life-changing and your partner can’t make the time to be there for you. In sickness and in health is one of the most important vows you will make in your life, and you better be sure the person you want to spend forever with has your back too.
Leaving was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done — I was essentially losing a best friend of 5 years — but it’s honestly one of the best decisions I have made.
I have now made room to find someone who will make me a priority, and I am so excited to eventually be with a man who will be just as selfless in our relationship as I will be. Love is all about compromise and putting someone else’s needs along side your own, and I can’t wait to be in a relationship that looks like that again one day.
In the meantime I am enjoying having extra time to snuggle with my puppy, read, write, and continue to improve myself. After all, I will be with me for the rest of my life, so why not try to be the best Krista I can be?
Krista Lauren 