Lied I was only 17 when we met. I was still young and innocent. He was the kind of guy that I had always

so into each other. I thought I really had found the man of my life. All of my friends also thought he was the one for me. Everybody was happy for me. He was all I could think about - every day and night. Gradually, things started to turn bad. He began to tell me what to do and what not to do. I let him the first few times because I believed in 'giving in'. Then, things started to get a little out of control. He didn't let me go to work, go out with my cousins and friends, talk to my friends on the phone, etc. I still didn't see what was wrong because I was so in love. He made me believe that he cared. He said he didn't want me to get into an accident or some other troubles when I was on my way to meet my cousins or friends. I believed him! My friends had been telling to break up with him because he started to control my life. I didn't listen to my friends and we drifted apart slowly. I still didn't see what was wrong. Our relationship had gone from bad to worse. I had to lie to him just to go out with my friends. I hated having to lie to him all the time but there was no way I could tell him the truths. He found out a few times and threatened to break up but we always made up. I was always the one apologizing and crying and begging for chances. I could no longer turn to my friends when I was upset because of my boy friend .I had to cry myself to sleep every night. Then, he started putting the idea of making love into my head. I was a virgin and he knew how big a thing virginity was to me. He said he wanted to sleep with me because that was the only way he would know how much I loved him. Besides, he said he wanted me so badly that he didn't know how to describe it in words and the only way to show it was to give me the satisfaction I needed - in bed. He also said making love could improve our relationship and bring the two of us together even closer. I was very stupid to believe him. I slept with him. He made me see that he was all I needed. I was scared to be with him and yet scared to break up with him. I cried every waking day. Finally, I thought I had had enough! I called up my best friend and asked her out. She refused, at first, because she knew how my boyfriend was like. But I reminded her that if she wanted to help me, this was the right time! I was all prepared to break up. She agreed! So we met up and had so much fun. Then he called my cell and started screaming at me. I was so scared! I was crying! We broke up. I was glad my best friend was with me. She hadn't changed despite of all the things I had done to her. I ditched her for my boyfriend and that was the biggest mistake I hade ever made. Until this day, I still think of my boyfriend once in a while. But I don't know if I miss him. Part of me misses the gentle side of him and the other part of me is still haunted by his cruel action. We were together for 3 years. I am glad it finally ended. I am glad my best friend is still my best friend.