At 18 I married a man who was 25. First marriage for both of us and no big red flags. Wedding night (was a virgin) I was terrified and he forced it while I was shaking from fear. It hurt so much, he didn’t care, he wanted sex. Then the emotional abuse came. I wasn’t enough. I would have to beg for sex, I wasn’t pretty, sexy, and getting chubby... (150, 5’9”) kids? No way. I was not fit to be a mother. One year anniversary, he only married me because he wanted to have sex. Otherwise, I was pointless in his life (yet, I still had to beg for it because it wasn’t good enough for him.) finally I got out. Then I met my current husband. He is sweet, silly, and my best friend. He calls me babe, cutie, and alludes to how much he loves me all the time. Tells me I am his favorite and that he loves me. He chases me around the house, loves to cuddle, and would be down to clown any moment. He truly loves me and I know it. With him I am safe, with him I am healthy, with him I am protected, and with him I am who I want to be and more than anything I am free. He is not my dictator, he is my partner.

Ladies, if you have a man convincing you that you are worthless, I was there and trust me, you’re not. You are amazing and deserve someone who sees that. Everyone has flaws, you will have baggage, but don’t let a man add to it. Find someone who is willing to help you unpack it❤️