Keep on, Keepin' on

You have projected onto yourself a world of your own imagination, based on memories, on desires and fears, and you have imprisoned yourself in it. Break the spell and be free.

It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you’re not.

1. If he starts saying the women before you have all been ‘crazy’ and it’s so nice to finally find a ‘normal girl’ or even a ‘girl like you’ you should start to think about who was really the issue in all of his previous relationships. 2.If he attempts to make you feel guilty for any decisions you have made. This is especially important when it comes to having sex. If you don’t want it and he’s pulling out the guilt card, dump him. He’s not worth the regret you’ll feel when he decides to leave you, and trust me honey, he will. 3.If he gets upset with you when you mention your exes. It’s normal to feel a little jealousy but when he starts throwing out phrases like “it makes me angry knowing anyone else has had you before me” it’s time to leave. 4.If he shows up unannounced on several occasions or comes around when you’ve explicitly told him not to. This is not cute. Sure, surprises are great every once in awhile but this type of repeated behavior is dangerous and should leave you feeling uneasy. 5.If he starts saying “I’ve never hit a girl before, but-” or “I don’t think it’s okay to hit women, but-” walk out the door before he can finish that sentence. 6.If you get busy and later look at your phone to see more missed calls and messages than the minutes since you’ve talked to him, it’s time to block his number. 7.If he intentionally stands between you and any of your friends. Walk away from him. 8.If he doesn’t believe you should go somewhere without him- unless it’s a concern for your safety; go anyways and say goodbye to him for good. 9.If he tells you he doesn’t like the way you’re dressed. If he says it’s too revealing and that type of thing should be reserved for his eyes only, tell him he can kiss your ass goodbye. 10.If he makes sexist comments. Tell him to make his own goddamned sandwich and walk out the door. 11.If he makes rape jokes. Leave him. 12.If he says anything along the lines of “If you really loved me you’d…” or “If you don’t…I’ll leave you.” Let him. This is just a form of manipulation. 13.If he gets violent. His fists don’t even have to touch your skin. If he is punching walls or kicking doors or throwing anything-leave. He is trying to frighten you and show you what he’s capable of. The next thing you know he’s leaving you with bruises and even more powerless than you are now. 14.If he gets angry when you explicitly tell him you are not his property. Leave. 15.If he becomes jealous too easily. If he is getting angry because some guy liked your picture you posted online or you smiled at someone other than him. This could get ugly very quickly. The next thing you know he’s yelling at you after he snooped through your messages without your permission for talking to a childhood friend of yours. 16.If he threatens to kill himself or harm anyone else when you mention needing some space or walking away. Break up with him and if his threats become serious, call the police. It’s easier said than done, but you need to cut your ties with him and burn all of the bridges. He doesn’t deserve you. He’s only going to hurt you.

I think if I’ve learned anything about friendship, it’s to hang in, stay connected, fight for them, & let them fight for you. Don’t walk away, don’t be distracted, don’t be too busy or tired, don’t take them for granted. Friends are part of the glue that holds life and faith together. Powerful stuff.