I don’t think I ever really knew what love was until now, to be honest. I thought I loved a boy (used this term because he most definitely was not a man). He was perfect until we moved into together, then the insecurities came out. He made me cut off friends, family, and social media. He didn’t want me to buy my car, instead of a congrats on me getting a job he threw a fit. He would go through my phone while I was asleep or rip it out of my hands while I was trying to talk to my family. He told me I would never make it in my choice of career so I switched it. He threatened to kill himself if I ever left. And he was so good at manipulating me, I can’t count how many times I moved out and then moved right back in with him. He would get me so angry that I would black out and then he’d laugh in my face and act like the victim. He’d ignore me for days if he was upset with something I did. He was out cheating but accused me of being unfaithful. He made me lose my trust in myself, made me feel like I wasn’t a reliable source to myself anymore. That was not love. He destroyed me. He took pleasure in belittling me. After a while of trying to heal after I finally got the courage to leave, I met someone new (my fiancé now). He is the most incredible man I have ever met. He is faithful, forgiving, kind hearted and patient. He doesn’t go through my phone or watch over my shoulder. He encourages me to talk to my family. He takes care of me mentally and physically. He spoils me, not just with money, but with attention. He doesn’t hide stuff from me. He gives me peace of mind. He’s building me up and fixing my broken pieces. He talks about our future. He loves me for me. He makes me laugh and smile, if I cry from him it’s always tears of joy or from laughing too hard. He pushes me out of my comfort zone in a good way. Im truly blessed and so thankful to have him. That is real love and I could never thank him enough for being in my life.