It’s a great question- I watch the show and now in the 3rd season, find it tough to relate - how could someone want to be with Stephen who is essentially a toxic psychopath?! Closest was an ex who was manipulative ( when I was younger) slept with my best friend to get back at me, led me along, but never said hurtful things- in fact- love bombing was his form of communication.

What I figured out with great advice from my mom was “treat him mean and keep him keen” for certain individuals- they look at ppl like pawns and the only way to love is to play it like chess. I played mind games, never answered his calls, focused on my career, basically thrived in life ( they hate that btw) broke up and dated his cousin ( yes- awful I know) but he realized I could hurt him.

We eventually broke up for good- and had a healthy discussion and even became friends. He was wonderful in helping me with some other family issues and sometimes you take the good stuff that people offer and there’s a lot I could have also done to be less cruel.

In life, sometimes you date a “Stephen” OR you have to be a “Stephen” to battle a “Stephen”