I was "young, dumb, and in love" too

I just want to make a post because I keep seeing these girls on here talking about how horrible their SO treats them and they can't leave because they "love them so much" or can't see themselves being without them or don't think it's THAT bad..

I thought that way once too, I was COMPLETELY in love, I couldn't imagine living the rest of my life without him, wanted marriage, babies, the whole 9 yards. He treated me great in the beginning of the relationship, too great, there were red flags popping up everywhere but I chose to ignore them because I "loved him so much" and sometimes felt like even if I did leave I'd never find anyone or anyone as good as him. Fast forward 2 years down the line in the relationship and everything is coming out, he's shown his true colors, cheating, lying, mentally abusive and sometimes physically, I forgave him SO many times near the end of the relationship, why? Because I loved him and I didn't want to lose him. It got to the point where it was taking a toll on me mentally and physically trying to move past these things he was saying and doing and I had to make the decision for myself to leave him. I still loved him with every ounce of my being but it was hurting too much to be with him. I left him, I took a few years after that to focus on myself, building myself back up, getting my life on track, I kept myself busy with school, work, and friends so that I hardly had to think of him, and believe me, sometimes I did, sometimes I still cried thinking about the "what ifs" until one day I met a guy who was incredibly sweet and kind and understanding, he liked me for me and I didn't feel the need to change anything or see past anything. I never even knew him the few years prior, but there he was, just walked into my life encouraging me to be myself, and build myself to be a better woman for myself, he didn't lie, he didn't cheat, he only wants what's best for me, something that I had never experienced from another person. I was afraid at first until I realized that THIS was a healthy relationship. THIS was what I could have never imagined even existing in my prior relationship. My point is, you may not see things getting any better in another relationship, you may not think there will be anyone else out there for you, or can't see yourself ever loving anyone else, but believe me, you can and will. Life is unpredictable, it will bring the right people to you, but you have to get rid of the toxic to move forward and make room for the healthy. If your gut is telling you that your relationship isn't healthy, that it's taking a toll on your mental wellbeing and physical health, there IS better and you CAN have and deserve to have better, I promise it's possible.