Falling in love and getting married are supposed to add good to your life rather than change its dynamics and how you’ve spent it all alone. However, if you’re made to feel unworthy and are constantly heartbroken, it’s best to let it go before it consumes you. If you are someone who can relate to being broken and losing the love you had for yourself, Alex’s story is the perfect reminder for you that there is always a choice.
Alex was only fifteen, a high schooler thriving in life, and it was the time when she thought she had found her soulmate. Seeing sophomores dating seniors is the norm; however, relationships that work long-term are surprising. Since his presence in Alex’s life, it felt like life was now competitive, and he was her missing part, as every other day, the couple was seen attending parties, going on dates, and going to the prom, too. However, as time passed, Alex acknowledged how hanging out with him brought multiple insecurities because she was a junior, and they were being judged, making her question herself.
She often found herself in a state where she wondered if she was worthy of dating him or pretty enough, and rather than being confident, she realized how she was way above his standards. The guy did not care much about anything that should have been prioritized at that age and was acting immature, but out of love, Alex did not care much, expecting him to get better and more mature over time. The more time they spent together, the worse it got, and on some days, he made her feel like the main character, whereas on other days, she was called average-looking without makeup.
All the compliments and comments he passed significantly affected Alex, so over time, changes with adverse effects crept into her remarkable life. She avoided eating and intentionally skipped meals to the extent that she was chewing gum to avoid meals. However, one evening when she stood in front of the mirror, she observed how her ribs were showing out of weakness, and the realisation that there was good brought in his life with the man’s presence had hidden her. Her mother walked into the room, seeing how she broke and held her tight.
When her mother heard the entire story, she told Alex how beautiful she was and that there was nothing wrong with her externally, but she needed to change her mindset. Thus, Alex decided to end things, hoping it would get easier for her. However, the memories lingered, and she missed his presence and the time they spent together. Later, when Alex joined college, a new chapter of her story was introduced, bringing new people. So, it was another toxic relationship. This time, it was not about physical abuse, which would make her stop eating and get her weak, but the emotional toll the relationship had taken was too much to handle.
At first, the guy seemed perfect. He appeared mature, charming, and skillful. However, she realized how he needed her according to his convenience. There was no consistency in the relationship; without it, no relationship could be preserved. Alex was constantly introduced to other people as a label of good friend, and in private, she was told she wasn’t someone to fall in love with. People-pleasing takes you through hell, as hearing all these comments made her lose herself again. This time again, her mother stepped in as her saviour and, upon hearing the story, she told how Alex was getting emotionally abused, something you are not supposed to cater to, no matter where it came from.
At first, Alex did not cry, but when she analyzed the situation, she couldn’t deny it either. Cutting off ties with him was tough on Alex; however, she soon revived her old self. Alex, who was the life of the party, had the perfect pinch of humour and ambition. She was beautiful, but letting others define her worth was the worst thing she did to herself. Thus, she celebrated self-love through a photoshoot that could make anyone feel empowered. She wanted women to know how they are enough without a man and are worthy of all beautiful things in life!
