Deadbeat relationships: knowing when to let go
Nobody prepares you for a bad relationship, so you go into every single one with the belief that it will be as good as your fantasies. Until it’s time to say goodbye.
Marry the first boyfriend?
I was so sure of my path to marriage when a cousin of mine got married to her first boyfriend at the age of 18. They were so in love and it was exhilarating to watch them.
I decided that I was going to get married to my first boyfriend and so I started my quest for the perfect man. I didn’t respond to just anybody. When someone came to me and I didn’t feel the spark that the movies promise, I moved on to the next.
Sparks
When I met Seun, things were completely different. From the moment we shared an elevator on my way to a youth camp, I had already made up my mind that he would be my first boyfriend who would eventually become my husband.
It didn’t help that he was staring at me with such intensity that I felt the sparks flying everywhere. He asked for my number that day. We soon got into a relationship after speaking for countless over the phone. He was so perfect; there was no wrong that he could do.
Movie promises
I had forgotten that time reveals. We meet that one person who takes us out of traditional expectations and gives us all that the movies have promised. This person is warm, sweet and exciting. During the first couple of dates, expectations are met and surpassed.
And then, time begins to pass and both parties have to reveal their true selves. I didn’t know that it was a worrisome relationship until the day I went over to his house and he spoke about how hungry he was and how he had no money to eat. I cooked for him and after serving him, I went to get something from the room when I saw his wallet on the bed bursting with cash. It would have meant nothing to me but I had seen too many times to count.
Feeling used
The truth is, he had turned me into his personal bank while making me feel I was a good woman because I took care of him in his supposed time of lack.
Because he never raised his voice on me, I didn’t realize how manipulative he was being.
With no courage to leave him, I ran to my choir leader in church. She told me to stay with him, as he was a good Christian boy. She further told me to change the things I was doing that made him treat me badly. Everybody I told had the same advice for me. He was doing well and all I had to do was to be patient, so that his heart wouldn’t be hardened forever.
Done with deadbeat relationships
At this point, I was sure I could still manage until I ran into an old school classmate who hadn’t seen me for years. I broke down while we were discussing and, through her sharing the experience of her sisters who stayed in a deadbeat relationship until she died, I knew I was done. I realized that any relationship that held me back from growth and clipped my wings to success wasn’t worth it.
It has been two years since I left that relationship and I am trying dating again. This time, I shall go in with my self-worth as a priority. Nobody deserves to be treated less than they are.
Do you need advice on how to leave your deadbeat relationship? Ask our moderators for assistance.
Tell us what you think
Recent Comments (12)
if I am having problem gal f…
if I am having problem gal f Cause of moni issues wat will do should I leave d relationship or I should continue
Hey Uzoma, all relationships…
Hey Uzoma, all relationships have problems and will have problems. What makes the difference is how partners choose to address the issues. It is important that you talk with your partner, openly and honestly, to address the issues that are causing problems especially if you both wish to still be together. Have a look at the following articles for more tips;-
https://lovemattersafrica.com/love-relationships/relationship-problems/jealousy-and-other-problems
https://lovemattersafrica.com/love-relationships/happy-relationships/tips-for-talking-to-your-partner
My girlfriend is in a…
My girlfriend is in a similar situation, she cheated and her boyfriend also. Difference is she knows about the boyfriend’s cheating he doesn’t that she also did the same. They claim to love each other as much and also act like it but I think their relationship is over. I want to help my friend see this but I don’t know how?
Dear Gracie, there is little…
Dear Gracie, there is little you can do to make your friend do anything. Your only role is to tell her what you think, but she holds the right to decide what to do. To keep your friendship, you will have to respect your friend’s choice.
My boyfriend has cheated yet…
My boyfriend has cheated yet again. I have forgiven him once before I think it’s a habit he can beat. I want out I can no longer trust him
Hey Shaleen, so sorry about…
Hey Shaleen, so sorry about this. Trust is an essential part of any relationship and without trust a relationship is likely not to work. If you no longer feel you can trust your boyfriend, it maybe time to break up with him. Find a good time and be honest with him about the decision you have made, be clear about your decision though you don’t have to be cruel toward him. Have a look at the following article for additional tips;-
https://lovemattersafrica.com/love-relationships/breaking-up/knowing-when-to-break-up
https://lovemattersafrica.com/love-relationships/breaking-up/how-to-break-up
I have a boyfriend he doesn…
I have a boyfriend he doesn’t show me love even if I send him text message every morning still on that he will not reply me ,I will start call him sweet names no way am filled up I will like am not valuable to him no SIG of love,care ,what can I do I want to break up but cos of my feeling for him is just to hard for me
Hey Mercy, have you talked…
Hey Mercy, have you talked to your partner about this? Sometimes it is important to tell, teach or show a partner how to love you. You need to find a good time and talk to him about this, let them know what your expectations are and also have them share with you what their expectations are. You can then agree on how to proceed. Check out the following article for additional information;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/love-relationships/happy-relationships/tips-for-talking-to-your-partner
Does the mean that there…
Does the mean that there certain sins that are unforgivable in a drelationship?
Hi Essie, yes. However,…
Hi Essie, yes. However, everyone being different means that there are those things that one person may tolerate while another person may not tolerate. It depends on what a person is willing to forgive or tolerate. Check out the following article;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/love-relationships/breaking-up/knowing-when-to-break-up
This story is so touching. I…
This story is so touching. I am in the same shoes too. And i would soon have to let go. It seems he takes the advantage of the fact that i have invested all of my emotions in him. I tend to have this habit of texting or calling him to check on him. Thanks for the story, i have learned to let it go.
Hi Mercy, we are so glad to…
Hi Mercy, we are so glad to hear that the site has been of help. Please feel free to go through the website to find more articles that could be of help.