I got into a relationship at 16 with a man 23 years my senior. It started well, we worked together too I think he loved me.
But as time went on and particularly as children arrived, he began to limit my life more and more. He told me who I could see, who I could work with, where I could go, what I could do. Before long, I had no freedom to live anything resembling an adult life. I was controlled and managed in every way. Despite seeming confident and together on the outside, he ensured that he was the scaffold of my world and that there was no escape for me. Despite he himself having numerous affairs and absolute freedom to do whatever he chose.
I finally ran after 23 years. I was a lacework of a person, just threads and air. But i’m slowly rebuilding. Learning how to exist in freedom. Finally learning who I am and what I really want. It’s a long, hard road, but it is a beautiful one.