In 2019 I was fifteen years old and had been dating a boy around the same age, for about a year. Throughout the relationship I did not realize this, but he was abusive, especially sexually. It was a horrible relationship. This person I am now filing reports against, which began in 2021.

I used this app back then for period tracking (duh) and dating advice. I would come to these community posts whenever I had a troubling situation with my boyfriend when I felt I couldn’t figure out how to feel about it. These posts included questions towards why my boyfriend would control my clothes, isolate me from my friends, pressure me into sex, etc. All from my pure perspective- thinking it was my own fault.

Now that I am 18 years old, I have been skimming through my post history and it’s depressing to look at. But past all the pain and confusion, this wonderful community supported me and gave me the answers I needed to hear.

I would not be able to clarify my emotions or understand why his actions were wrong at the time without a hoard of comments explaining why he is treating me poorly. This community has brought me so much emotional support and strength, eventually leading us to our breakup. I have dozens of posts with a plethora of explantations for even the simplest problems.

I appreciate this community for bringing me this support and love. I would not have nearly as much strength as I did reaching out for help. And for those of you, who will not see this, who commented on those posts thinking they were small high school issues, thank you for possibly saving my life.