I used to think that love was the end-all and be-all of my life. But little did I know that it was slowly chipping away at the essence of who I was.

    John, with his suave demeanor and quick wit, had me wrapped around his finger from the moment we met at that friend's party. It felt like destiny. But as it turns out, destiny can be a devious trickster.

In the beginning, John was the perfect boyfriend and has always been. He would shower me with love and affection, make me feel special, and indulge me in everything I wanted. Little did I know, it's like the way a predator lures its prey, he started to tighten his grip on me. He was always suspicious, always questioning my whereabouts, and didn't like it when I hung out with my friends or family.

Whenever I found myself realising his mistakes, he would say.

"You don't love me."

John knew he was my life support and I loved him with every fibre in me.

I was slowly losing myself in the relationship, and the realization came to me like a slap in the face. I was in a toxic relationship, and it was draining the life out of me. 

It took my best friend Sarah's intervention to make me see the truth. Her heartfelt conversation with me was a wake-up call.

"You deserve better." Sarah would say, while she gripped my hand firmly.

At first, I was defensive when Sarah voiced her concerns, but I couldn't deny the truth. I knew deep down that John's love was nothing more than a controlling obsession and toxicity. 

I had to leave him, but the thought of being without him was scary. I had built my life around him for so long that I didn't even know who I was anymore.

But Sarah was there for me every step of the way, and she helped me find the strength to leave. John didn't take it well. He begged me to come back to him, sent me flowers, wrote me love letters, and even showed up at my workplace. I found myself on the verge of running back to him, but I knew I had to be strong and stand my ground, I had to let go of the past and find myself for a better future.

With Sarah's support, I slowly started to do the things I loved again. We went to painting classes, went hiking, and even traveled to a new city. It felt good to rediscover who I was, and I felt empowered. I was taking charge of my own happiness.

My productivity level at work increased and the glow that left my life, began luminanting itself again. I never knew how lost I was until now, the stats were there and all proved my progress within the last 8 months were remarkable.

 I started to focus on my own happiness and my job, started traveling more, and even went on a solo backpacking trip. I was no longer living my life for someone else but for myself. It was exhilarating and empowering.

Looking back now, I realize that leaving John was the best decision I ever made. It wasn't easy, but it allowed me to rediscover who I was and to build a life that I truly love. I learned that I am strong, resilient, and capable of overcoming anything that comes my way.

To anyone who may be in a toxic relationship, know that it's never too late to leave. It may be scary, but there is a whole world of possibilities waiting for you on the other side. You deserve to be with someone who treats you with love and respect and who allows you to be yourself. And if you ever feel lost, know that there are people who care about you and who are willing to help you find your way back to yourself.