It is so hurtful to see a girl or boy in feeling trapped in an abusive relationship; whether it's physically or emotionally abusive, they are both tremendously difficult. I know personally because I was once in one. I want to spread the message that there are so many great people out there. "Guys are all the same" is nowhere near the truth — please do not believe that. I don't want anyone to ever stay in a relationship because they think there is no one else out there for them.

Mental and physical abuse is never OK. Never ever ever! I got so manipulated over the course of five years; going back and forth being together only when he wanted to. I could go into details, but the bottom line is that it wasn't good for me. I want to promote that abuse is never OK, and I want every person in a relationship to know that. It makes me sick to find out what some people are capable doing to their significant other. Building up the courage to walk away from someone you thought was your soul mate can be very challenging, but you will get so much farther in life if you do. Don't let someone hold you back from your dreams, especially if it is holding you back from happiness. I have made so many different choices to better my life after I was out of that relationship. I have also made many new friends and can't wait to move to my new house at my second college in a month.

I have heard many other stories of people going to therapy to get past the struggle, or taking anxiety and depression medicine to go on with their daily lives. You always hear the saying "You're young, you'll be fine," but what they don't realize is how much it can tear a person down until they have nothing left. Or the “just get over it” can make you want to hit that person, but I promise you that there are better people out there and everyone has the capability of finding a nice and loving person to be with.

I would like to note that I am in a happy relationship now for over two years, but it took me a long time to be able to believe someone would love me and not screw me over. I have talked with other people about similar situations, and just because you have moved on to someone else, it does not always mean you have moved on from what happened. I was so afraid of going through the same situation that it took me along time to find someone new, and even though I love him, I still have trust issues from before that I have a hard time getting over, which can put a strain on your relationship.

I was lucky enough to find someone who is willing to patiently work through my problems with me. I don’t know how I got so lucky. You will find your person, and hold onto the idea that you are worth love.