Don't believe the ones with the good reputations, kids
I had a twelve-year relationship with a bloke who didn't live up to his reputation.

I'd known this fella for most of my life. My dear old nan thought he was lovely, my parents admired him, relatives thought he was ace and most people who knew him thought he was pretty all-right. It started innocently enough; heard about him and thought he was worth chasing. An older Middle-Eastern man, he was quite smooth and convincing, if more by reputation than by personal experience.

I settled into a relationship where I shared everything with him, thought of him when I woke up, spent time talking with him throughout the day, learnt what I could about his views, talked to others about him. Yeah, you could say I was kind-of obsessed. I gave him time, I gave him money and I tried anything to please him.

As the years went by, things cooled. Lots of others chased him and I felt like he didn't give a shit. His friends gave me a hard time and I got to the point where I felt that nothing I did made a difference and I couldn't do anything right. My efforts were ignored and it was like I didn't exist.

I eventually left, and his friends tried to make me feel like shit and convince me to stick around. Leaving him lifted a burden of guilt and depression from my shoulders.

I met a lovely lady and realised where I was meant to be. We're now married and my previous relationship is now an example of what not to do.

As for him, he'll be fine. He has plenty of people vying for his time and attention and I don't need to try anymore.

That Jesus fella isn't what he's cracked up to be.

*edit* I realised that I haven't really pointed out one thing he did, but it's the best bad relationship story I can think of...
(magentacock is spunking like it's nineteen ninety-nine..., Mon 25 Oct 2010, 6:08, 3 replies)

How about repeatedly telling you that you were worthless, and would never live up to the standards his daddy set, but that HE was the only one that loved you and cared for you so you had to stay with him?
Actually that sounds like something a real person they would do, if they were a manipulative abusive bastard... Oh my god! Jesus is a wanker!
(Falstaff's Spiritual Successor, Mon 25 Oct 2010, 9:28, closed)

Apparently he was a real jerk
godisimaginary.com/i39.htm
( emvee cruor deo cruoris, Mon 25 Oct 2010, 10:40, closed)

oh?
I heard he put his life on the line, and even died for your sins.

Still, perhaps that's just a fairy tale.
(haberman is singing in the changes, Mon 25 Oct 2010, 14:55, closed)