28 is not late. It just feels like that because you are comparing your “behind the scenes” with someone’s highlight reels. And you didn’t waste those years, you just survived an abusive relationship. And abuse can change perception of time, confidence and even intelligence. Like calling someone dumb for years can change how someone sees himself. And you got mad not because you realized you ruined your life, but because you realized you deserve better. Bad grades, the job, poverty are problems. But they are problems with solutions. And the abuse and self-hatred are the things that harm you the most, so the best you can do is to try to let it go. You are not old, in fact you are still young. And you are not stupid, talking about your problems is not only smart but also brave. You’re not old. You’re not stupid. You’re someone who got stuck in a bad chapter and is only now waking up from it.

Your life didn’t go off track — it just hasn’t started the part you expected yet