Anita:

I know in order for him to move on with his life and make sense of his decision to go back to his ex, he apparently needs to compartmentalize what happened with me and categorize me as an “other” in front of our friends. That’s what hurts and that’s what is embarrassing to me. It erases what we had. I feel like I’ve just helped him on the ride back to his old girlfriend. Sort of like without me he wouldn’t be with her now, I became the glue for them to stay together.

His presence in the group is quite strong, but I’m not a pushover or silent person either. I’m definitely not usually the one to stay back, especially if someone is starting to have bullyish behaviour. So this whole thing perplexes me, since all of a sudden I’m the one that’s being manipulated and made to feel insignificant. I guess I wish someone else had the guts to stand up to him and support me instead of silently supporting him. I’ve felt too weak because of him for a long time (due to my emotions).