After everything with Eric, I took a step back from relationships. My heart was tired. I needed time to reflect not just on others, but on myself. Why did I ignore the red flags? Why did I feel like I had to settle for less than I deserved? These questions echoed in my mind.
During this time, I focused on rebuilding my confidence, my faith, and my goals. I started investing in things that made me grow academically, spiritually, and emotionally. I began to understand the difference between being alone and being at peace. I realized that I had confused love with attention, and comfort with true connection.
As time passed, Raymond and I drifted apart naturally. No fights, no hard feelings just distance and different paths. I'll always be grateful for his sincerity and how he loved me when I didn't fully love myself.
I met new people friends who supported me, mentors who inspired me. I poured my energy into becoming a woman I could be proud of. For the first time, I wasn't seeking validation from a man. I was learning how to validate myself.